NSW government accused of ‘epic failure’ as NFL, NBA chooses Melbourne over Sydney

Melbourne has further cast Sydney into the shade with its latest major events touchdowns, securing NFL blockbusters and likely also NBA marquee fixtures — cementing itself as the nation’s sporting capital.

New South Wales is in major meltdown mode over Melbourne’s latest sporting triumph — securing three NFL blockbusters from 2026.

Victoria secured the in-season NFL matches in a three-year deal sources say likely exceeded $40m, further cementing its place as the nation’s and possibly even the world’s sporting capital.

The first game at the MCG next year is set to feature the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Adding to Sydney’s sporting pain, Victoria is also poised to secure an agreement with the NBA to stage marquee fixtures in Melbourne — making sporting history with a US team from the world’s biggest basketball league set to play on Australian soil for the first time.

The Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles will face off in Melbourne. Picture: Getty

While Victoria boasts the world famous sporting events of the Australian Open tennis, Melbourne Cup, AFL Grand Final, F1 Grand Prix, Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Boxing Day cricket test and Rip Curl Pro, Sydney can really only claim The Everest horse race and 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup as semi comparable.

So it’s probably no surprise Melbourne’s latest touchdown in securing the NFL has seen the New South Wales Minns government slammed for “epic failure”.

Business and tourism bodies expressed dismay over the Victorian coup, while Opposition Leader Mark Speakman lashed “a government that always turns up late and empty-handed”.

NSW Tourism Association chief executive Natalie Godward described the NFL announcement as a devastating blow for the state.

Melbourne is home to F1 Grand Prix.

“This is an epic failure for the NSW Government and Destination NSW,” she said.

“It’s inexplicable that NSW could … (lose) one of the most sought after pieces of sporting and tourism content in the world.

“This event would have delivered massive economic benefits and global exposure for our state.

“Instead, we are seeing a huge, missed opportunity while Victoria secure world-class events that should be coming here.”

Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said Sydneysiders were “saddened by the news that Melbourne has again beaten us in securing a major sporting event.

“These events are crucial to ensure that our hospitality, tourism and retail sectors survive and thrive,” he said.

“The state government should consider establishing a future major events fund.

The Melbourne Cup is the horse race the whole nation stops for. Picture: Getty

The Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne is a huge, international tourism drawcard. Picture: AFP

“That would ensure NSW has appropriate resources to secure unprecedented opportunities, such as the NFL, so they are not lost to other states in the future.”

Premier Chris Minns suggested the NFL matches did not present value for money.

“We looked at it. It’s too expensive,” he said.

“They were after a King’s ransom … we’ve got schools, hospitals and wages we have got to cover.

“If we can get events into NSW that drive economic growth, we are up for it, but not under any circumstances.”

Tourism and Transport Forum chief executive Margy Osmond said every state had to “make choices as to where they get the biggest bang for their buck”.

“The NFL will be terrific for Victoria,” she said.

Mr Speakman and Shadow Minister for Sport Eleni Petinos lamented the NFL decision.

“Victoria will now host one of the world’s biggest sporting codes while NSW is left to watch from the sidelines under a Labor Government too weak to even get in the game,” they said in a joint release.

Originally published as NSW government accused of ‘epic failure’ as NFL, NBA chooses Melbourne over Sydney