The day was attended by an offical figure of 45,209, up on 2023s official figure.
The NRL says more than three million viewers in the United States, Australia and New Zealand tuned into the opening two matches of the NRL season at Allegiant Stadium, as new broadcast records were set across the game.
The FTA broadcast averaged 715,000 with a BVOD audience of 81,000 and a reach of 1.627m. This is down 11% from 796,000 (808,000 cons) in 2024 (reach also down from 1.644m). 353,000 watched the womens test on Nine.
- the Jillaroos achieving their biggest audience ever across Foxtel and Kayo Sports in their victory over the Lionesses
- The Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves game also soared to the top of the most watched Super League game of all time across Foxtel and Kayo Sports
- The Penrith Panthers v Cronulla Sharks game was the most-watched game over the weekend, with the game also being the most watched regular season Panthers game ever across Foxtel Group
The NRL reports that viewership in the US increased by more than 600 per cent on the 2024 season opener. Newly shown into primetime on linear television, Nielson reported 371,000 total viewers in the US for the Raiders/Warriors game, and 54,000 for the womens international clash on cable.
In NZ, SkyNZ reported that Warriors fans tuned in in huge numbers for their initial game, with 402k people watching the Raiders v Warriors match from Las Vegas on Sky and free-to-air on Sky Open. A further 91k watched on Sky Go and 64k on Sky Sport Now.
The match was broadcast at 1pm NZT. In comparison, last year’s Vegas double-header drew a combined viewership of 159K (+93%).
In the UK, Wigan versus Warrington peaked at 340,000 viewers at one stage during the broadcast. Only one Super League regular season game – during the pandemic, when supporters were not allowed inside stadia – has attracted a bigger number in the competition’s 30-year history.
The Future: 2026 and beyond
