Super League makes a bold move to claim territory in North America
- Rugby league returns to Las Vegas for the second consecutive year as part of expanding its global presence.
- The event includes a Super League fixture, matches involving the NRL, and an international women's clash.
- This collaboration aims to solidify the sport's foothold in North America and could lead to sustained rugby league activity in the region.
In February 2025, rugby league returned to Las Vegas, Nevada, as a part of a collaborative effort between the Super League and the National Rugby League (NRL). This significant event showcases the sport's expansion into North America, following previous fixtures held in the same location the previous year. The day featured multiple matches, including a Super League clash between Wigan and Warrington, set at Allegiant Stadium, the home ground of the Las Vegas Raiders, a prominent NFL team. As crowds were expected to exceed 45,000, the event aimed to captivate both American and British rugby fans. The initiative highlights the ongoing desire of Super League to penetrate the North American market, with long-term ambitions of creating a sustainable rugby league presence in the region. During the event, matches also included key NRL games, such as Canberra Raiders facing the New Zealand Warriors, and an important international women's clash between Australia's Jillaroos and England's Lionesses. This multifaceted lineup serves not just to entertain but to build momentum around rugby league in the U.S., providing a platform for the sport's growth and visibility. Following the successful 2024 opening, Super League leadership expressed a strong commitment to future engagements in Las Vegas. There are aspirations to not only repeat the event in 2026 but also integrate prestigious tournaments like the World Club Challenge into future Las Vegas weekends. Talks are underway about salvaging the World Club Challenge, which was not held in the previous year, with intentions to establish a consistent yearly rugby league event in the city. Super League's growing relationship with the NRL is viewed as pivotal for the sport's expansion overseas. Rugby League Commercial managing director Rhodri Jones emphasized the necessity of collaboration for mutual growth and recognition. As relationships strengthen, the prospect of hosting the 2030 Rugby League World Cup in the U.S. remains on the table, marking a potentially transformative opportunity for rugby league in North America. This weekend’s matches are thus seen as the first steps toward creating a more robust framework for the sport and attracting both fans and players to participate in the growing rugby league community.