NRL signs hotels deal with Accor, which owns Sofitels, Novotels and Ibis

Footballers will be bunking down in top hotels during the footy season, given hotelier Accor has just re-signed its three-year agreement with the National Rugby League.

Footballers will be bunking down in Sofitels, Novotels and Ibis hotels during the footy season, given hotelier Accor has just re-signed its three-year agreement with the National Rugby League.

The region’s largest hotelier will continue as the official accommodation provider for the NRL and NRLW until the end of 2027.

Under the freshly struck agreement, now in its 12th year, Accor will continue to fulfil the accommodation requirements of NRL Clubs, officials, and referees as they head throughout Australia and New Zealand for the men’s and women’s seasons.

The financial details of the arrangements were not disclosed, but Accor said the deal involves the hotelier hosting close to 400 individual club stays throughout the year, involving 257 Men’s Games finals and Pacific Championships and 70 Women’s Games.

“We love being with the NRL, this is the 12th year we have been with the NRL,’’ said Accor Pacific chief operating officer, Adrian Williams, adding that it reinforces the hotelier’s commitment to the sport and its passionate fans.

“The teams stay with us, but we have a broader partnership that allows us to work with them,” Mr Williams said. “This allows our members to get ‘money can’t buy’ experiences.”

“We love the events the NRL do, it drives demand into hotels. It creates amazing activity in cities, it really animates a city, it creates a reason for people to come to a city.”

Mr Williams said this collaboration highlights the vital role sport plays in bringing people together and driving tourism.

Round eight NRL match between Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval. Picture: Supplied

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said what we love about our partnership with Accor is that it delivers for fans.

“As well as fulfilling the requirements of our organisation, there is a focus on providing great benefits for Rugby League fans wherever they travel to support their team across the country.”

Meanwhile, Brisbane hotels are readying for the excitement of the NRL Magic Round, which starts on May 1.

Accor’s 19 Brisbane hotels have experienced a surge in bookings ahead of this week’s NRL Magic Round – which the hotelier said is one of the hottest tickets on the sporting calendar.

Every game will be played at the Suncorp Stadium, including the opening of the Ampol Women’s State of Origin Series on Thursday night.

“Magic Round is more than a sports event – it’s a citywide celebration that puts Brisbane on the national stage,” said Mr Williams.

“The strong performance we’re seeing across our hotels this week highlights the incredible pull of live sport as a tourism and economic driver. Our teams are going all out to deliver unforgettable experiences for every guest.”

The NRL will have over 1,200 room nights with Accor for this year’s Magic Round event in Brisbane, including days leading into the event.

In addition to the strong demand from NRL clubs, sponsors and fans will drive high occupancy across hotels during the four days of competition, with a significant flow-on effect for restaurants and bars throughout the CBD and the Caxton Street precinct, Mr Williams said.