The mad scramble to play in Las Vegas has reached a conclusion with the NRL revealing which clubs have been picked to open the season in 2025.
Following the successful launch of this year's campaign in Sin City, powerbrokers of various clubs pitched themselves to play in the extravaganza with the four clubs finally landed upon alongside an extended program.
The Sporting News provides the latest updates on which four clubs will be heading to America.
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NRL Vegas 2025: Which clubs will play in America next year?
The Canberra Raiders, New Zealand Warriors, Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sharks have been selected to play in the opening round of the 2025 NRL season in Las Vegas.
The Panthers were heavily tipped to be one of the teams to make the trip overseas, as their home ground BlueBet Stadium will be under development next season.
The Raiders' chief executive, Don Furner, revealed the club were on standby for this year's edition and pushed hard for inclusion once again.
Meanwhile, the Warriors noted how their strong supporter base was a key reason for selecting them.
"We lodged our expression of interest, so it's now in the hands of the NRL," the club's CEO Cameron George said in late April.
"I think we can bring a whole new market to Vegas for the NRL with our New Zealand connection.
"They have already had Sydney clubs go this year and a team like Penrith may go next year, but we can bring plane loads of people from a whole new market in New Zealand."
The Dolphins, St George Illawarra, Parramatta and Melbourne were also believed to be in the running for a spot on the plane before the four chosen clubs were eventually selected.
"Las Vegas 2025 will be a bigger, bolder and better festival of rugby league," NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said upon the announcement.
"Thank you to all the participating teams who will now get the chance to perform on a global stage with huge exposure."
NRL Las Vegas 2025 fixtures and schedule
After launching the game in America earlier this year, the NRL have expanded their offering for 2025.
Not only will there be two NRL fixtures, but the event will now also include a Super League match and a Women's Test match.
"Celebrating a world first event, the NRL, Super League and women’s international game will explode in a never-before-seen extravaganza of global sporting excellence featuring the very best rugby league players on the planet," the NRL noted in a statement.
"Bringing together eight teams from the Super League and the NRL, as well as the international women’s Test match, the event showcases rugby league’s global appeal, creating a unique spectacle for American sports fans."
A clash between UK rivals Wigan and Warrington will kick off proceedings in the afternoon (1.30pm local time), before the two NRL games will be sandwiched between an Australian and English Test match.
- Super League – Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves (1:30pm PST / 8:30am AEDT)
- NRL – Canberra Raiders v New Zealand Warriors (4:00pm PST / 11:00am AEDT)
- Test Match - Australian Jillaroos vs England Women’s Team (6:00pm PST / 1:00pm AEDT)
- NRL – Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks (8:30pm PST / 3:30pm AEDT)
When is NRL Las Vegas 2025?
"The 2025 Las Vegas event will feature two highly anticipated NRL premiership matches to open the season, the 2024 UK Challenge Cup finalists, Wigan and Warrington, and a Test match showcasing some of the most elite women’s players from both hemispheres," Abdo said upon the unveiling of the event.
"We’ve given fans the opportunity to plan early and take advantage of the Las Vegas festival experience – a true bucket list item for all rugby league and sports fans."
The four matches will be hosted at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas on Saturday, 1 March 2025.