Kris Radlinski: The Unprecedented Vegas Super League Game
Wigan Warriors CEO Kris Radlinski is gearing up for what he believes will be an extraordinary moment in Super League history when his team clashes with Warrington Wolves in Las Vegas on March 1, airing live on Sky Sports. The concept, which was pioneered by the NRL in 2024, will see Wigan and Warrington participating in a full day of rugby league action at the Allegiant Stadium. The event will kick off a festival of rugby league, featuring two NRL matches and an international showdown between the Australia Jillaroos and England Women.
The excitement and anticipation surrounding this event have been building since the start of the season, with the clash between Wigan and Leigh Leopards already setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling experience. Radlinski, who played a pivotal role in getting Wigan on board for the Vegas game, is confident that this event will mark a turning point for the sport, drawing unprecedented interest and attention to Super League.
A Vision for Growth
Reflecting on the inspiration behind this bold move, Radlinski shared his vision for the future of rugby league. “I watched the [Vegas 2024] games in the morning on Sky Sports, and it looked like rugby league on a different planet. It was rugby league like we had never seen before,” he remarked during an interview on The Bench podcast. Emphasizing the need for the sport to evolve and embrace new opportunities, Radlinski spoke about his determination to take rugby league to new heights by participating in groundbreaking events like the one in Vegas.
The Road to Vegas
The journey to bring Super League to Las Vegas was not without its challenges. Radlinski recounted the months of negotiations and the mixed reactions from other clubs in the league. “I think I upset a few people along the way, other clubs saying ‘why are they doing it?’. But I am OK upsetting people if it is for the greater good which I believe it is,” he stated. Despite the hurdles, Radlinski remained steadfast in his belief that the Vegas game would be a game-changer for Super League, propelling the sport into a new era of growth and visibility.
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead to the Vegas event, Radlinski outlined his vision for success, which includes expanding the involvement of Super League clubs in future editions. “There is a risk. We lose our home game here against Warrington,” he noted, highlighting the financial sacrifices involved in participating in the Vegas game. However, Radlinski’s focus remains on the bigger picture, envisioning a future where Super League stands shoulder to shoulder with the NRL as a premier rugby league competition on the global stage.
The Vegas Experience
As the countdown to March 1 continues, Radlinski and his team are gearing up for an unforgettable experience in Las Vegas. With media outlets from around the world expressing interest and fans eagerly awaiting the showdown, the stage is set for a historic moment in rugby league history. The festival promises to deliver a feast of rugby league action, culminating in the clash between Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves under the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
Don’t Miss the Action
For fans eager to catch all the live action from the Vegas festival, Sky Sports will be broadcasting the event on March 1 from 8:30 pm GMT. The lineup includes a thrilling series of matches, starting with Wigan Warriors vs Warrington Wolves at 9:30 pm, followed by Canberra Raiders vs New Zealand Warriors at midnight. The night will culminate in an international showdown between the Australian Jillaroos and England Women at 2 am, with Penrith Panthers vs Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks closing out the festival at 4:30 am.
Get Ready for a Spectacular Showdown
With the Vegas event set to redefine the landscape of rugby league, fans and players alike are in for an unforgettable experience. As the excitement continues to build, Radlinski and his team are gearing up for a historic moment that will reshape the future of Super League. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness rugby league like never before as the Vegas extravaganza takes center stage on March 1.
