Cooper McCarthy.
Seven Network and Southern Cross Austereo have opened joint partnership packages for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, with the tournament running across Seven, 7plus Sport and the Triple M network from October 15 to November 15.
The broadcasters hold exclusive Australian rights to the tournament, which covers 18 men's, 15 women's and 20 wheelchair matches across 26 teams. The tournament opens with Australia versus New Zealand in Sydney, with four matches in Papua New Guinea and two in New Zealand.
Seven's coverage includes every match across Seven and 7plus Sport, live streaming, replays and highlights, with editorial support across Sunrise, 7NEWS and The Nightly.
Triple M will broadcast 11 matches including key men's fixtures and both finals, syndicated to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth and streamed on LiSTNR, with support from 17 regional markets across NSW and Queensland.
Lesley Tapsall, Seven's head of the Rugby League World Cup 2026, said the tournament would form part of an epic spring of sport alongside thoroughbred racing and Supercars coverage.
"This will be a showcase of the very best of international rugby league — men's, women's and wheelchair. With stars in every team, fans can expect the fiercest and most competitive RLWC ever staged," she said.
Ewan Giles, SCA's head of sport content, said the partnership would deliver the most comprehensive and connected RLWC coverage staged.
"From league fanatics to sport lovers, supporters of Aussies competing on the world stage and those cheering on their native countries, we will capture the interest of a diverse, multicultural Australia," he said.
Seb Rennie, Southern Cross Media Group chief commercial officer, said a month-long live free-to-air event with national scale and the emotional engagement of live sport was hard to replicate for advertisers.
"Brands that move early will have the chance to own a cultural moment that spans screens, speakers and social feeds right across the country," he said.
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