The NRL continues to improve YoY, while the AFL continues to drag its feet a little bit, however the weekend was won by the Matildas record crowd at Accor Stadium for the final of the Womens Asian Cup.
Still waiting for a crowd figure for Engie Stadium on Saturday to finalise AFL data, but so far with one game to be reported 829,628 at an average of 41,481 at 70% capacity. This is down 7% YoY (855,180 at an average of 45,009 in 2025. )
Note: this round was helped by 2 games at OPtus Stadium and 2 games at Adelaide OvalMatildas
Matildas, Womens Asian Cup
The 2026 Womens Asian Cup delivered a record attendance for a single match that was broken three times during the tournament. The Tournament delivered a record aggregate attendance – the previous record of 59,910 (China, 2010) was beaten on the second day. It also smashed the total attendace of 28,850 for the last Australian hosted WAC.
Round 3 of the 2026 #NRL season was attended by 159,386 at an average of 19,923 per game, using 74% of capacity. The season to date has been attended by 519,526 at an average of 21,647 per game, using % of capacity. This is up 15% YoY. Per
@LeagueUnlimited, this is the first time the season has passed 500,000 attendees by the end of round 3.
Excellent attendances for the Storm, Rabbitohs, Eels, while we believe the Knights attendance may have been affected by stadium works at McDonald Jones.
About the Author
