The Foxtel Group has released viewer data highlighting the success of the 2020 NRL season with live NRL audiences on Fox League up 18% compared to the corresponding Rounds 1 to 14 of the 2019 season.
Released for the first time, the data covers Foxtel set-top boxes together with streaming platforms Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go and Kayo and confirms 2020 as the number one rating NRL season ever for the Foxtel Group.
The record-breaking season was driven by an increase in the average live audience for Foxtel Now, Foxtel GO and Kayo audiences, up over 150%.
With many fans unable to attend the footy in person because of COVID-19 restrictions, viewers have also sought out Fox League as the go-to destination for the best NRL action with Fox League exclusive matches up 19% across the Foxtel Group’s platforms.
The post-COVID season return saw Round 3 generate the biggest audience for an NRL round in Foxtel history, while the Round 6 clash between the Roosters and the Eels recorded the largest NRL audience of all-time with a cumulative average of 507,000.
Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said: “We’ve had some wonderful NRL seasons in recent times and just when a lot of people thought this year’s competition wouldn’t go ahead, WHAM, the season has the best ratings ever – the best of the best.
“Peter V’landys and Andrew Abdo have led the way at League Central, and we are proud to partner them at Fox League. This Thursday night it’s the Eels and the Storm. How about that! This game just keeps giving.”
Fox Sports sales and brand partnerships director Martin Medcraf added: “The record ratings for Fox League reflect the increasing appetite among Australian audiences for sport. Since the return of the NRL in May, we’ve seen no let-up in fans’ excitement to have sports back on their screens. With the codes attracting new followers, and footy proving itself as an important outlet in difficult times, the rise of multi-platform viewing is a watershed moment for sports broadcasting in Australia.”