Rugby league fans, brace yourselves. NRL chairman Peter V'landys has floated plans for an interactive theme park built entirely around the game! 

Rugby league is reportedly getting its own version of Disneyland, and Sydney's inner suburbs could be the destination. According to a report from All Out Rugby League, the ARL Commission is in the final stages of developing a Disneyland-style attraction expected to be called NRL World, timed to capitalise on the code's soaring popularity.

What's Inside the Proposed NRL World

The report states the commission is close to finalising a deal for a site in Alexandria, in Sydney's inner suburbs, expected to house the venture. The concept is being pitched as a "hub house," a one-stop destination built around rugby league gaming, merchandise, coaching clinics and watch parties, aimed squarely at engaging younger fans.

There's also said to be scope for birthday parties and functions at the venue, positioning it as the NRL's answer to Disneyland or Universal Studios rather than a traditional theme park stacked with rides.

Draft concepts of NRL World have reportedly already been designed, and ARLC chairman Peter V'landys briefed club bosses in September 2026, telling them the NRL is close to a formal announcement. The report describes widespread support from clubs, with school holidays flagged as a key drawcard once the venue opens.

Club Bosses Are On Board

South Sydney Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly, who previously ran the UK's Super League, is quoted backing the concept.

"Having seen some of these concepts in operation in the UK and USA, this can be really successful if it is done properly," Solly said. "Anything that gives our fans and members an opportunity to engage with rugby league and the clubs more is great news. It's fantastic that the NRL are considering ideas like this and continue to put the accelerator down on growing the sport."

Why This Isn't Coming Out Of Left Field

V'landys has built a reputation on commercial swings that looked risky at announcement and paid off in practice. NRL Magic Round, which crams a full round of matches into one stadium over a single weekend, debuted in Brisbane in 2019 and is now a permanent fixture. The 2024 season opener took the NRL to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as a play for the US market. Club expansion is also underway, with a revived Perth side and a Papua New Guinea-based team set to take the competition to 18 clubs by 2028.

A theme park is a different kind of bet. It needs private capital, ongoing tourism infrastructure and long-term licensing deals rather than one big weekend of ticket sales. If it happens, the NRL would be the first Australian football code to run a dedicated, standalone attraction, something American sports franchises and European football clubs have leaned into for years through branded museums, tours and entertainment precincts.

Should You Start Planning A Visit?

Not just yet, but this one's a lot closer to reality than most theme park rumours. With draft concepts done, club bosses briefed and a site reportedly close to locked in, an official announcement looks like the next step rather than a distant possibility. We'll update this piece the moment the ARL Commission makes it official.

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