Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has secured the long-term future of NRL Magic Round in Queensland - fending off rival interest from New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia and New Zealand - with the showpiece event locked-in at Suncorp Stadium until 2032.
The deal - struck with the Australian Rugby League Commission - will evolve Magic Round to be bigger and better than ever by delivering a festival of footy across Queensland, including:
- Magic Round to expand to a week-long festival of footy from 2027;
- More matches added to the schedule with more teams;
- A new regional footy festival to include the new Premiers Cup Junior Carnival, which will culminate in a final played before the Women's State of Origin in Townsville, with live sites activated in regional Queensland communities across Magic Round;
- Enhanced fan engagement, including an expanded and improved atmosphere at Caxton Street and new city-wide activations;
- More community programs with clubs and players across South-East Queensland;
- A regional tourism showcase, which will shine a national and international spotlight on the best of Queensland's tourism offerings;
- The establishment of a new industry events calendar running parallel to Magic Round, ensuring the festival of footy also drives new investment across the State.
The inking of the new deal - between the Queensland Government, NRL and Brisbane City Council - is a major vote of confidence in Queensland under the Crisafulli Government, whose Destination 2045 strategy will make Queensland Australia's sporting capital as it continues the golden runway to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Premier David Crisafulli said the Magic Round deal was set to benefit communities across the State.
"Lock it in to 2032 - Magic Round is staying in Queensland exactly where it belongs," Premier Crisafulli said.
"When Queenslanders and footy come together magic happens and that's exactly what a six-year deal represents for our State.
"We are only just getting started on what Magic Round can be in Queensland - this new deal means it will be bigger, it will be better and we'll make sure every corner of Queensland gets a chance to share in the magic.
"This was never about the money - it was about respecting Queensland and the game of rugby league - and I would like to thank Peter V'landys and Andrew Abdo for the way they have conducted themselves in getting this deal done.
"A buzz is building in Queensland for the first time in a long time and locking Magic Round in all the way to 2032 proves it."
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane was the undisputed home of Magic Round and the event had become part of the city's identity as Australia's sporting capital.
"Magic Round was born in Brisbane and it's here to stay," Cr Schrinner said.
"This event delivers a huge boost for local businesses, supports local jobs and showcases Brisbane to a massive national audience.
"Brisbane knows how to host major events better than anywhere else in Australia and Magic Round has become one of the biggest weekends on our city's calendar.
"This is a huge win for rugby league fans and local businesses, while further cementing Brisbane's reputation as Australia's lifestyle and sporting capital."
Australian Rugby League Commission Chair Peter V'landys AM said he shared the vision of the Queensland Premier, Queensland and Brisbane for what Magic Round will become for the State.
"This extension reflects that shared ambition and confidence that the partnership will deliver major outcomes for the promotion of rugby league and the state of Queensland," Mr V'landys said.
"Magic Round has evolved into a major national event with real impact - for tourism, for business engagement, for investment across Queensland and for encouraging participation in rugby league.
"Our focus is to expand on that impact by creating new experiences, showcasing some of the best tourism locations in the world, lifting visitation, creating regional junior football carnivals and building a calendar of industry, media and business events that add long-term value to the State.
"The Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council supported this concept from the outset.
With this new agreement, Magic Round will get even bigger and showcase the best of Queensland to the world."
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Magic Round was more than a series of football games, it's new experiences right across Brisbane and Queensland that leave unforgettable memories and strong economic impact.
"Magic Round is about turning a great sporting event into a broader cultural and economic moment for the city and the state. This extension means together we will build an even bigger and bolder week, from junior football carnivals to tourism adventures and business forums, showcasing the best of Queensland to the world."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 strategy was driving a stronger visitor economy by getting more people to stay, play and spend more across Queensland.
"The Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 strategy is about turning major events into longer stays that deliver more for local businesses and communities and NRL Magic Round delivers exactly that," Minister Powell said.
"We want visitors to come for the footy, but stay for everything else Queensland has to offer, exploring more, staying longer, and supporting jobs across the State."
Minister for Sport and Racing Tim Mander said locking-in NRL Magic Round was a win for Queensland.
"As the spiritual home of rugby league, Queensland knows how to deliver world-class events that bring fans together and create an atmosphere unmatched anywhere in the game," Minister Mander said.
"We know what this event means to fans and the Crisafulli Government is committed to cementing Queensland's reputation as the home of Australian sport while ensuring fans continue to experience the very best rugby league has to offer."
