BREAKING NEWS: Parramatta Eels CEO has stated he is heavily involved in conversations about Eels being the next NRL club to attend Vegas in 2026………
Parramatta Eels CEO Reveals Plans for 2026 NRL Vegas Trip
In a groundbreaking development for Australian rugby league, Parramatta Eels CEO, Jim Sarantinos, has confirmed that the club is actively involved in discussions to become the next NRL team to play in Las Vegas in 2026. This move follows the successful debut of the NRL’s international expansion into the United States, with the 2023 season marking the first-ever NRL match to be played in America.
Sarantinos revealed that Parramatta is working closely with league officials and other stakeholders to bring the Eels to the entertainment capital of the world. The Eels CEO emphasized that the club’s involvement in this high-profile venture would align with their broader goals of increasing the team’s international profile and engaging with the rapidly growing American audience for rugby league.
“We’re incredibly excited about the possibility of being part of something as significant as NRL games in Las Vegas. It’s a tremendous opportunity for us to promote the Parramatta Eels, the NRL, and the game of rugby league to a whole new audience,” Sarantinos said in an exclusive interview. “There are still many details to be ironed out, but we’re actively involved in conversations with the league, and we’re committed to exploring all avenues to make this a reality in 2026.”
The NRL’s Vegas initiative is seen as a key part of its strategy to expand the game’s footprint internationally. The success of the 2023 match between the Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbitohs in Las Vegas generated significant media attention and attracted a diverse crowd from both local fans and international tourists. The event proved there is an appetite for rugby league in the U.S. and opened the door for further NRL games in the country.
According to Sarantinos, Parramatta is not just looking at this as a one-off event but rather as part of a long-term strategy to establish the Eels as a globally recognized brand. “Las Vegas is the ultimate stage, and it provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with rugby league fans in the U.S.,” he explained. “We’ve been talking about how we can leverage this platform to promote our players, our club, and our values. It’s a game-changing opportunity.”
The CEO also highlighted that the Eels would ensure that their participation in the event would be a full commitment, not just in terms of on-field performance but also through community engagement efforts and promotional activities in the lead-up to the game. “We’re not just going to play a game and leave; we want to connect with the Las Vegas community, build relationships, and lay the groundwork for future growth.”
The proposed NRL event in Las Vegas in 2026 could have broader implications for the league as a whole, as it seeks to capitalize on the increasing popularity of rugby league in North America. Experts believe that this could set a precedent for other Australian sports to follow suit and bring more global exposure to Australian athletes and teams.
As the 2026 NRL Las Vegas event draws closer, more details are expected to emerge, but it’s clear that the Parramatta Eels are positioning themselves to be a key player in this exciting new chapter of rugby league’s expansion into the
global market.
