The NRL is considering splitting its free-to-air television coverage between several stations in an effort to boost the game’s finances in Australia.
League officials could follow the AFL’s lead and allow the Seven and Ten networks to broadcast some games when the next round of broadcast deals is negotiated.
It is even considering breaking up the rights to the grand final and the State of Origin series, selling each as a separate ratings-winning package.
The current deal with Channel Nine and Fox Sports expires after the 2012 season.
NRL chief executive David Gallop said creating a bidding war between rival broadcasters could help the game’s under-pressure bottom line.
"(It is) certainly an option, as is selling individual nights as distinct packages, a whole of these options are open to us," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"The money is a big factor, it is the factor.
"But we also want to see our game reach as many people as possible and be well presented."
Last weekend’s NRL grand final drew 3.070 million viewers from the capital cities and 996,000 from regional centres this year, while the State of Origin series is consistently one of the top-rating sports events in Australia.
