NRL news 2024: Peter V’landys and ARL Commissioners set for 60% pay increase

Peter V’landys and fellow ARL Commissioners are set for their first pay rise since 2012, as the NRL moves to within touching distance of $700 million in revenue.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys and his fellow Commissioners are set to be awarded a pay rise for the first time since 2012. Picture: Getty Images

Chair Peter V’landys and his fellow ARL Commissioners are set to be awarded a 60 per cent pay rise as the game moves within touching distance of $700 million barrier.

News Corp has obtained a notice recently sent to clubs in preparation for the annual general meeting on February 21.

Under special business, there is a proposal that the cap for fees to the game’s eight commissioners should increase from $750,000 to $1.2 million. The existing payments to commissioners were set when the ARL Commission was formed in 2012 and haven’t moved over the past decade. There is now a push for the commission to be given a healthy rise in line with inflation.

Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V’landys and his fellow Commissioners are set to be awarded a pay rise for the first time since 2012. Picture: Getty Images

“During the eleven-year period since 2012 the Australian economy has recorded wage growth, and high inflation in recent years,” the notice to clubs reads.

“During this period ARLC director remuneration has remained constant. The net impact results in a significant decrease in the real value of director remuneration.

“An increase to the maximum amount of fees payable to directors is reasonable in light of inflation over effectively a 15-year period from 2012 to 2027, and noting the growth of the Company.”

The commission needs the support of 50 per cent of the clubs and states to get the green light.

It is not expected to be an issue given rugby league’s rude health – the commission will reveal at the AGM that revenues have hit $689 million in 2023 and they have returned a significant profit in line with last year.

V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo have been the driving forces behind the game’s financial prosperity. Picture: Getty Images

The commission announced a $62.9 million surplus in 2022, which in turn allowed the game to step up their accumulation of assets. They now own three hotels and plan to continue expanding their assets too future-proof the code.

They are is also expected to announce at their AGM that chair Peter V’landys has been returned for another term and will be reappointed as chair.

V’landys and NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo have been the driving forces behind the game’s financial prosperity, which has allowed the commission to ramp up their search for investment opportunities.

It is understood the clubs are expected to be largely supportive of the push to have the commission’s pay increase.