Live sport rules: NRL grand final tops Nine's 2025 ratings table

Live sport remains the most powerful drawcard for Australian broadcasters, with Nine and Seven both breaking records in the final weeks of the footy season.

Nine’s broadcast of the 2025 NRL grand final between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm has become the highest-rating NRL Grand Final of all time - and the most-watched program of the year so far.

The thrilling 26–22 decider delivered a National total TV reach of 6.4 million and a total TV average audience of 4.4 million, up 33% year-on-year. Streaming via 9Now hit 1.3 million, making it the highest-rating BVOD event in VOZ history.

SEE MORE: Seven’s AFL grand final broadcast delivers a ratings bonanza

Metro audiences were strong across the board, with 1.099 million tuning in from Sydney, 941,000 from Brisbane and 734,000 from Melbourne. The NRLW grand final between the Roosters and Broncos also broke records, drawing a Total TV audience of 1.032 million, up 36% year-on-year.

The grand final capped off a landmark season for Nine’s rugby league coverage. The 2025 NRL season recorded its highest-ever TV audience, with regular season and finals matches up 11.5% overall, according to Nine.

Broadcast audiences grew 22%, while BVOD viewing surged 101%. The preliminary final between the Broncos and Panthers was the highest-rated NRL match across all screens in VOZ history, drawing a Total TV audience of 1.8 million, up 53% on last year.

Nine’s supporting NRL programming also saw significant growth. 100% Footy averaged 194,000 viewers per episode, up 66%, reaching 5.6 million across the series. The NRL Sunday Footy Show reached 3.6 million viewers, while Freddy and the Eighth averaged 97,000 weekly viewers in its first season on Nine in Sydney and Brisbane.

Amanda Laing, Nine’s managing director of streaming and broadcast, said the results reflect the network’s commitment to making rugby league universally accessible and culturally resonant.

“This year's phenomenal ratings are a testament to Nine’s unwavering commitment to being the true home of rugby league,” Laing said. “We believe the greatest game of all should be accessible to everyone, and by providing that universal, free-to-air access, we are helping to grow the sport's fan base in every corner of the country.”

Brent Williams, Nine’s director of sport, credited the clubs and players for their openness and performance, and praised the Wide World of Sports team for raising the bar in sports broadcasting.

For context, Seven also broke records with its 2025 AFL Grand Final broadcast.

The Brisbane Lions’ win over Geelong drew a Total TV audience of 4.18 million, with 969,000 streaming via 7plus Sport - a 48% year-on-year increase. Seven reported a combined reach of 6.1 million, making it the most-watched program of the year until the NRL Grand Final surpassed it.