The Redcliffe Dolphins will likely be the 17th team in the league; $ 50 million profit posted

The NRL will officially expand its competition to include a 17th team, though clubs are asking for a larger share of the loot after the game announced a $ 50 million surplus.

The Redcliffe Dolphins are set to beat the Firehawks and Jets to become the next franchise in 2023 after broadcasters felt the inclusion would add value to their product.

Clubs were told the cost of having an additional club would be $ 15 million per year, which would be offset by the $ 20 million per year Foxtel was willing to pay with an additional team from Brisbane.

This would allow the existing 16 teams to receive additional funds in the future, allaying fears that the size of the revenue pie will be thinner between them.

The new club will need to have a bank guarantee of $ 10 million a year for the next five years to ensure it can stand on its own. The 17th team will not get additional funds over the existing ones to start.

There will be 12 additional games per season due to the inclusion of an additional team, with each team required to obtain two passes.

The clubs have also been informed that Rugby League Central is about to enter into a new free streaming deal, supposedly with the Nine Network, the publishers of this banner.

Had COVID-19 costs of $ 30 million not been incurred, the game would have grossed $ 80 million in the past fiscal year.

The NRL cut costs by $ 55 million to be able to distribute $ 376 million across the game. However, some clubs believe they should be given more money to develop their own businesses.

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