NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo has reportedly resigned and is expected to take up a role with Tennis Australia.
The resignation has not yet been formally announced by a number of outlets, including The Sydney Morning Herald and The Guardian, which reported on Monday that Peter V’landys is expected to serve as interim chief executive of the National Rugby League.
Broadcast and player negotiations ahead
Abdo’s alleged departure comes ahead of the NRL’s next broadcast rights negotiations and collective bargaining discussions with the Rugby League Players Association.
Both agreements are due for renewal after the 2027 season.
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Abdo became NRL chief executive in April 2020, replacing Todd Greenberg, after previously serving as the league’s chief commercial officer from 2013 to 2020.
Oversaw COVID restart and Las Vegas expansion
During his tenure, Abdo oversaw the NRL’s return to competition during the COVID shutdown in 2020.
He also led the rollout of the league’s season-opening matches in Las Vegas, with the agreement set to run until 2027.
Alongside V’landys, Abdo also oversaw expansion plans involving Papua New Guinea and Western Australia.
Tennis Australia role follows Craig Tiley exit
The move comes after Craig Tiley stepped down earlier this year from his role at Tennis Australia to join the US Tennis Association.
The structure of Tennis Australia’s executive leadership following Abdo’s reported appointment remains unclear.