Last year, Kris Radlinski, the CEO of Wigan Warriors, had an eye-opening moment that would shape the future of rugby league.
He woke up early on a Sunday morning and watched with awe as the top teams of Australia’s NRL took center stage in Las Vegas, a city known for its entertainment and spectacle.
For Radlinski, it wasn’t just a rugby match — it was a glimpse into the future.
“It felt like rugby league from a different planet,” says Radlinski. “I thought, ‘We’ve got to be part of that.'”
His excitement led him to reach out to Wigan’s owner, who immediately supported the idea.
A single email to NRL boss Peter V’landys set in motion months of negotiations to bring Wigan Warriors into the Las Vegas spotlight.
Negotiating a Spot on the Big Stage
After Wigan expressed their interest, the NRL initially offered them a standalone fixture.
However, the Warriors were asked to pay a hefty $1 million (£790,000) to rent the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium, home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.
Radlinski wasn’t willing to settle for just any match; he wanted to be part of the main event.
“I said, ‘We want to be part of the big dance,'” Radlinski explains.
After further discussions, the NRL agreed to let Wigan open the event, ahead of two NRL games, and add a women’s international match between England and Australia to the schedule.
This new proposal became a win-win for Wigan, and the groundwork was laid.
The Rivalry That Made Sense
With the details of the event taking shape, Radlinski needed to decide who would challenge Wigan in Las Vegas.
He thought back to the recent Challenge Cup final where they triumphed over Warrington Wolves.
The decision was easy, not just because of the match’s drama but due to Radlinski’s strong relationship with Warrington’s owner, Simon Moran, and CEO Karl Fitzpatrick.
“Warrington, as a club, fits with us,” Radlinski says. “They think outside the box, just like we do.”
From there, the historic fixture was set, making history as the first-ever competitive Super League match in America.
Super League’s Big Gamble
For Wigan, the opportunity came with a price. They forfeited a home game for the 2025 season, sacrificing around £100,000 in matchday revenue.
However, Radlinski saw this as a small price to pay for global exposure.
“We can’t just keep wondering why things aren’t changing. We need to take action,” he says confidently.
The match in Las Vegas is expected to be a massive success, with 50,000 fans anticipated, including around 10,000 from the UK.
This could easily set a new record for the highest attendance at a regular Super League fixture.
The previous record, set at Barcelona’s Camp Nou in 2019, saw 31,555 fans in attendance.
The Showmanship of Michael Buffer
As the event draws near, it’s clear that this is no ordinary rugby match.
The presence of legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer in Las Vegas adds another layer of excitement.
Known for his iconic “Let’s get ready to rumble!” catchphrase, Buffer introduced the teams at Wigan’s Super League opener against Leigh.
His appearance is a nod to the Vegas spectacle and highlights how seriously Sky Sports is taking the event.
Buffer reflected on the unique nature of the rugby league spectacle, saying, “I think rugby has to catch on. It’s just as exciting as the NFL.”
He believes that, with the right marketing, rugby could capture the attention of American audiences.
The Growing Buzz in Vegas
In the lead-up to the game, the buzz in Las Vegas is palpable.
From NFL players to local taxi drivers, everyone is aware that rugby is in town. “It’s as if NFL players were here,” says Warrington’s Toby King.
The excitement is even spreading to UFC fighters who are keen to check out the game.
The city is alive with reminders of the event, from billboards to fan hubs at places like RedTail in Resorts World hotel, where players participate in signings and Q&A sessions.
“There’s a carnival atmosphere about the place,” says Warrington’s coach Martin Gleeson.
The Controversies and Setbacks
Despite the excitement, there have been a few bumps along the way.
Wigan’s head coach, Sam Burgess, arrived in Vegas three days late due to visa delays related to past driving offenses.
In another off-field incident, two Canberra Raiders players had an altercation over a room mix-up, involving a mistaken souvenir baseball bat.
But these issues are unlikely to overshadow the on-field action.
The Future of Rugby League in America
For Super League, the chance to be on the same stage as the NRL is a massive opportunity.
Radlinski sees it as a chance to promote the competition and build new supporters.
“We’re helping them grow the brand of Super League,” he says.
The ultimate goal is for more Super League clubs to participate in future Las Vegas events.
Warrington’s King shares a similar vision, emphasizing that exposure is key.
“This could be huge for the sport,” he adds, believing it’s the kind of breakthrough rugby league has needed for a long time.
As the spectacle in Las Vegas unfolds, one thing is clear: rugby league is trying to make a bold statement in America, and this event could be just the beginning of something even bigger in the years to come.