Moneyball - The Business of Sport

$5bn NRL Mega TV Deal Done?

Emergency Episode: Reports suggest the NRL has agreed in principle to a new media rights deal worth around $5 billion over seven years from 2028, potentially making it the biggest media rights agreement in Australian sporting history. If confirmed, Nine would retain State of Origin, the Grand Final and three games per week, while DAZN-owned Foxtel and Kayo would continue as the home of every match and every final outside the decider. After months of speculation involving Amazon Prime Video, Stan Sport, and Seven, the reported outcome also raises an interesting question: if the broadcast structure stays largely the same, what gets better for fans? In this emergency episode of Moneyball: The Business of Sport, Scott Keenan breaks down what has been reported, why competition in negotiations matters, and what questions remain unanswered as rugby league prepares for its next era.

NRL Media Rights Explained

The NRL media rights battle is entering its final stages, and for the first time in decades, State of Origin could potentially leave the Nine Network. With Peter V'landys chasing a $4 billion broadcast deal, the biggest sports media rights negotiation in Australian history has become far more than a simple contest between Nine and Foxtel. Seven Network has emerged as a genuine contender, Amazon Prime Video has entered the race, DAZN-backed Foxtel and Kayo want a major role in the future of rugby league, and questions remain over whether Paramount+, Network 10 or even Netflix could play a part. In this episode of Moneyball, the business of sport, Scott Keenan breaks down: • Who is bidding for the NRL media rights • Why State of Origin is suddenly up for grabs • Nine Entertainment's position and the future of Stan Sport • Foxtel, Kayo and DAZN's aggressive bid for rugby league • Seven Network's interest in State of Origin and weekly NRL matches • Amazon Prime Video's plans for Australian sport • The role of Paramount+ and Network 10 • Why Netflix is probably not a serious contender • How the NRL could reach a $4 billion media rights deal • The impact of Perth Bears and PNG expansion • Why broadcasters may want more teams, more games and more content • How media rights could change the way fans watch rugby league • Whether State of Origin should remain on Channel 9 The NRL isn't just selling football anymore. It's selling State of Origin, streaming rights, free-to-air rights, subscription television, digital content, expansion inventory, creator opportunities and the future shape of rugby league media. If you're interested in NRL, sports business, sports media, sports broadcasting, streaming, media rights, sports marketing, television, digital media, State of Origin, rugby league or the business of sport, this episode is for you. Who do you think should win the NRL media rights? Should State of Origin stay on Nine? Would you watch rugby league on Amazon Prime Video? Should Foxtel and Kayo remain the home of rugby league? Could Seven Network improve the coverage? ABOUT MONEYBALL Moneyball is the podcast about the business of sport. Hosted by communications strategist and sports business commentator Scott Keenan, Moneyball explores the commercial forces shaping sport, from media rights and sponsorships to fan culture, governance, strategy and the economics behind the games we love. FOLLOW MONEYBALL Instagram: @moneyball_show YouTube: @moneyball_show Email: askmoneyball@gmail.com [askmoneyball@gmail.com] For media enquiries, partnerships, sponsorship opportunities or guest suggestions: askmoneyball.show@gmail.com [askmoneyball.show@gmail.com] If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, leave a review and share the episode with another sports fan. Remember, if you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've got to follow the money!

Inside Origin with Mathew Thompson

State of Origin is Australia's biggest television event. And there is huge pressure for the broadcast team, especially the play-by-play commentator. More than four million Australians tune in. Hundreds of people work behind the scenes. And for Channel Nine's lead NRL commentator Mathew Thompson, every game brings the pressure of calling moments that become part of rugby league history. In this episode of Moneyball, Scott Keenan sits down with Mat for an honest conversation about State of Origin. From his preparation on game day and the challenge of calling live sport, to accusations of bias, iconic Origin moments and the enormous production that powers Australia's biggest sporting broadcast, Mat takes us inside one of the most demanding jobs in Australian media. We also explore why Origin remains one of the country's most valuable television properties, the people viewers never see behind the cameras, and what it takes to turn great sporting moments into lasting memories. If you've ever wondered what it's like to sit in the commentary box on Origin night, witnessing rugby league history, this episode is for you. Moneyball is the sports business and culture podcast hosted by Scott Keenan. Because if you want to really know what's going on in sport, you've gotta follow the money. You can get full episodes on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@moneyball_show], or follow along for clips and hot takes on Instagram @moneyball_show [https://www.instagram.com/moneyball_show] and listen wherever you get your podcasts. And email any time with questions about the business of sport askmoneyball.show@gmail.com [askmoneyball.show@gmail.com]

Scotland: Football's Cultural Power at the World Cup

After nearly three decades away from football's biggest stage, Scotland is heading back to the FIFA World Cup. Former Scottish footballer and Australian football coach and commentator Charles Samushonga joins Moneyball to discuss Scotland's resurgence under Steve Clarke, the players driving this generation's success, and why supporters are more optimistic than they have been in decades. We explore Scott McTominay's rise from Manchester United midfielder to one of Scotland's most influential players, the leadership of Andy Robertson and John McGinn, and the cultural and commercial momentum building around the national team. From the popularity of Scotland's new away jersey and long-term Adidas partnership to the global reputation of the Tartan Army, we examine how football has become a powerful expression of Scottish identity. We also discuss the unique football connection between Scotland and Australia, including Ange Postecoglou, Cam Devlin, Martin Boyle and the Souttar brothers. Most importantly, we ask a bigger question: what does success actually look like for Scotland at a World Cup? Because for many supporters, simply being back on football's biggest stage may already feel like a victory. Listen to Chaz and Gaz on the Champagne Football Podcast on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ChampagneFootballShow] or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Moneyball on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@moneyball_show] and Instagram for more breakdowns of the business of sport and email the show anytime with your questions for Scott askmoneyball.show [http://askmoneyball.show] @gmail.com.

Is Sport Built For Men — And Limiting Women?

Australia prides itself on being a sporting nation. But in a market of just 26 million people, a small number of dominant men’s competitions continue to consume most of the attention, airtime and commercial investment. In this episode of Moneyball: The Business of Sport, host Scott Keenan sits down with Dr Bridie O’Donnell — broadcaster, former elite cyclist and advocate for women’s sport and gender equality — to unpack one of the biggest structural questions in Australian sport. From AFL and NRL dominance, to broadcast rights, sponsorship economics and media gatekeeping, this conversation explores how Australia’s sports ecosystem has been built around men’s competitions — and why women’s sport is still fighting for visibility inside a crowded and commercially constrained market. Dr O’Donnell argues this isn’t simply about popularity — it’s about systems. Systems that have historically been built around men’s sport, reinforced by legacy media, and sustained through a feedback loop of coverage, revenue and visibility that continues to shape which sports grow, and which struggle to scale. Together, they explore: * Why AFL and NRL dominate the national sports conversation * The economics of women’s sport in a 26 million-person market * Whether Australia’s sports ecosystem is becoming oversaturated * Why participation rates don’t translate into media attention * AFLW, NRLW, football, netball and women’s cycling * The role of broadcasters and legacy media * The rise of podcasts and digital sports creators * Why visibility shapes opportunity and pathways for young women * The long-term commercial challenge of building sustainable women’s leagues * Why women’s sport is still often treated as an “add-on” * The impact of the Matildas and the FIFA Women’s World Cup * Whether independent media is genuinely changing sports coverage — or replicating existing patterns The conversation also turns inward — questioning whether newer media voices, including independent creators and sports podcasters, are truly shifting the system or unintentionally reinforcing it. This is a wide-ranging discussion about sport, media, power, culture, investment and the future of Australian sport. About Moneyball: The Business of Sport Moneyball explores the business, economics, politics and strategy behind modern sport — from elite performance and broadcast deals to fan culture and the commercial forces shaping the games we watch. Hosted by Scott Keenan, the show is for sports fans and industry insiders who want to understand how the game really works beneath the scoreboard. Contact 📧 askmoneyball.show@gmail.com [askmoneyball.show@gmail.com] Subscribe for more episodes breaking down the business of sport. Because if you want to know what's really going on in sport, you've gotta follow the money.