MUMBAI: The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has renewed broadcast right agreement with Nine and Fox Sports with the signing of a new five year deal worth $1.025 billion, one of the biggest commercial deals in its history.

The agreement includes a cash component of $925 million, $90 million of which will be paid prior to the start of the first season, and advertising packages to the value of $100 million.

ARLC said the new deal will ensure television exposure with advanced scheduling, increased programming and key broadcast innovations for its properties including NRL, Toyota Cup, NSW Cup and GIO Schoolboys Cup.

"The whole package is a simply fantastic result for Rugby League," Australian Rugby League commission chairman John Grant said. "The cash that comes from the agreement, used wisely, will provide the funding base for sustainably growing our game from the grass-roots to the elite levels.

Of great importance, and a factor that played heavily into the Commission‘s final decision, is the release by News, Fox and Nine of their rights over future ‘first and last‘ agreements.

"It reflects the positive spirit of the negotiation process and allows the game greater control in determining the value of its assets in the future," Grant added.

Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany said: "This agreement secures a fabulous line-up of matches for Fox Sports subscribers. Super Saturday and Monday Night Football have become a way of life for Rugby League fans and Fox Sports is determined to make that experience more exciting and more interactive than ever before. Rugby League is a part of Fox Sports and Foxtel‘s DNA and we are delighted to be able to continue bringing the live action to households across Australia every week."