Is AFL Bigger Than Rugby League?

4 min.

Australia is a sports-loving nation, and two of its most popular sports—Aussie Rules Football (AFL) and Rugby League (NRL)—have a fierce rivalry, not just on the field but in terms of fan engagement, viewership, and cultural significance. But the question remains: Is AFL bigger than Rugby League?

The answer depends on how you define “bigger.” In terms of attendance, overall viewership, and national reach, AFL holds a significant edge. However, Rugby League dominates in specific regions, particularly New South Wales and Queensland. Let’s dive deeper into the numbers, history, and cultural impacts to explore this debate.

A Brief Overview of AFL and Rugby League

What Is AFL?

Australian Football League (AFL) is a unique, fast-paced sport originating in Melbourne in the 1850s. Known for its large oval fields, high scoring, and spectacular marks, AFL has grown into the most attended and watched sport in Australia.

For more on AFL, visit the official AFL website.

What Is Rugby League?

Rugby League, a spin-off of Rugby Union, emerged in England in the late 19th century and was introduced to Australia shortly thereafter. Known for its intense physicality and tactical gameplay, Rugby League is a staple sport in New South Wales and Queensland.

For Rugby League updates, check out the NRL website.

Attendance: AFL Leads the Pack

When it comes to attendance, AFL outshines Rugby League by a significant margin.

AFL Attendance:

The AFL recorded a total attendance of over 7.5 million fans in the 2023 season.
The AFL Grand Final, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), attracts crowds of around 100,000 people annually.

NRL Attendance:

The NRL had a total attendance of approximately 3.5 million fans in the 2023 season.
The NRL Grand Final, held at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, sees crowds of around 82,000 people.

Why the Difference?

AFL benefits from larger stadiums, particularly in Victoria, where Aussie Rules is akin to a religion.
Rugby League, while immensely popular in its strongholds, does not draw the same crowd sizes due to smaller stadiums and a more localized fan base.

TV Viewership: A Closer Contest

While AFL dominates in attendance, Rugby League holds its ground in terms of TV viewership.

AFL Viewership:

The AFL Grand Final regularly attracts over 3 million viewers nationwide, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in Australia.
Weekly AFL matches average around 750,000 viewers per game.

NRL Viewership:

The State of Origin series, Rugby League’s marquee event, often eclipses AFL viewership, with matches drawing over 3.5 million viewers.
The NRL Grand Final typically garners over 2.5 million viewers, slightly less than the AFL Grand Final.

Regional Influence:

AFL dominates in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Rugby League reigns supreme in New South Wales and Queensland.

Financial Power: AFL’s Economic Supremacy

AFL’s financial strength significantly outpaces Rugby League, thanks to higher attendance and broader commercial appeal.

AFL Revenue:

In 2023, the AFL reported revenues of over $850 million, driven by ticket sales, broadcasting deals, and sponsorships.
The league’s lucrative seven-year broadcasting deal with Channel Seven and Fox Sports is valued at $4.5 billion.

NRL Revenue:

The NRL’s 2023 revenue was approximately $600 million, fueled primarily by TV rights and sponsorships.
The league also signed a major $2.3 billion broadcasting deal, though its total value trails the AFL.

For more on the AFL’s commercial success, visit the AFL Corporate page.

Grassroots Participation: AFL’s Broader Appeal

AFL Participation:

AFL leads in grassroots participation with over 1.5 million registered players, including a rapidly growing women’s competition. The introduction of AFLW (Women’s AFL) has further expanded the sport’s reach.

Rugby League Participation:

Rugby League has approximately 500,000 registered players, with a strong presence in schools and junior competitions, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. However, it has struggled to match AFL’s national footprint.

Cultural Impact: A Divided Legacy

Both AFL and Rugby League hold a special place in Australian culture, but their influence varies by region.

AFL’s Cultural Significance:

AFL is deeply embedded in the fabric of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
The AFL Grand Final day is a public holiday in Victoria, reflecting its immense cultural importance.
AFL has successfully positioned itself as a truly national competition, with teams in every state.

Rugby League’s Cultural Significance:

Rugby League’s heartland is New South Wales and Queensland, where it dominates both media and fan attention.
Events like the State of Origin series are cultural phenomena, uniting and dividing communities in equal measure.
Rugby League has a more global reach than AFL, with strongholds in countries like New Zealand, England, and Papua New Guinea.

Challenges Facing Both Sports

AFL:

Expanding the game in New South Wales and Queensland remains a challenge, where Rugby League is deeply entrenched.
The AFL must also continue to grow the AFLW competition to maintain its appeal across demographics.

Rugby League:

Rugby League struggles to gain traction outside its traditional strongholds.
Competing with AFL’s financial clout and attendance figures remains a significant hurdle.

Verdict: Is AFL Bigger Than Rugby League?

The answer is yes, but with caveats. AFL is bigger than Rugby League in terms of attendance, revenue, and national reach. However, Rugby League’s dominance in its strongholds and the global popularity of the sport add layers of complexity to the debate.

Call to Action

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External High-Authority Links

AFL Official Site: Explore fixtures, results, and league news.
NRL Official Site: Stay updated on Rugby League scores, news, and events.
Fox Sports Australia: Comprehensive coverage of AFL and Rugby League.

By John Claus