How close did the NRL come to launching their season in Hollywood instead of Las Vegas and why were they warned against it?

Football supremo Peter V’Landys has confirmed the NRL could have launched the 2024 season in Hollywood instead of Las Vegas.

But after conversations with American broadcasters, V’Landys was told that Los Angeles would be a tough sell and that he would consider somewhere else besides the film capital of the world.

Enter Sin City, where Allegiant Stadium will host the double-header between the Sea Eagles and Rabbitohs (1.30pm, Sunday AEDT), followed by the Broncos taking on the Roosters (3.30pm, Sunday AEDT).

“The truth is that our hearts were set on Los Angeles,” V’landys said. News Corporation.

‘The NRL has been thinking about going to the United States for quite some time. ‘We also consider San Diego or San José as alternative locations.

‘We (also) knew that if we were going to the United States, we had to do it well. “If we had gone to Los Angeles or Hollywood, if I’m honest, I don’t think we would have had any chance of success.”

V’Landys also claimed that US media executives suggested Las Vegas and it was a lightbulb moment for the Australian Rugby League Commission chairman.

With anticipation building, the NRL’s sporting dice roll in the game’s mecca looks set to be a winner.

Just over 40,000 tickets have already been sold, and Allegiant Stadium, which recently hosted the Super Bowl, has capacity for 65,000 fans.

Both football matches will air live on Fox Sports 1 in prime time on a Saturday night, with the potential for more than 100 million viewers in the US.

V’Landys is also prepared to play the long game, with the NRL having agreed a five-year deal to host games in Las Vegas.

The soccer supremo is confident that “once Americans understand the rules, they will accept and enjoy the best game of all.”

For Australian viewers, Sunday’s NRL double-header will be broadcast live on Fox League and Kayo, with Channel Nine only televising the second match.