National Rugby League (NRL) expansion team the Dolphins has agreed a four-year deal with streaming service Kayo Sports for the naming rights to its home stadium.
Kayo Sports, an NRL broadcast partner, will back the launch of the new team for the 2023 season and beyond at Kayo Stadium.
The Dolphins will play their first home game at the newly branded Kayo Stadium when they take on the Titans in an official NRL trial match on February 19. Their first official Premiership match at the venue will be the Round 2 clash against the Raiders on March 11.
The NRL Premiership will expand to 17 teams from the 2023 season after the Australian Rugby League Commission approved the grant of a new licence to what was then known as the Redcliffe Dolphins in October 2021.
The Queensland-based team, which was founded in 1947, fended off competition from the Firehawks (Easts Tigers) and Jets (Ipswich) to become the NRL’s second Brisbane club. Last year’s announcement marked the first time the NRL has expanded since 2007, when the Titans were admitted to the League.
The Dolphins will be based at Kayo Stadium, previously known as Moreton Daily Stadium, but is set to play most of its home games at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane. In September 2020, Dolphins chairman Bob Jones said the organisation was “NRL ready” after work was completed to upgrade its stadium as part of an effort to land a second NRL team for Brisbane.
The Dolphins NRL Bid was said to be complete following the opening of the final grandstand at Dolphin Stadium. The venue, which first opened in 1979, was redeveloped to a capacity of 11,500, 10,000 of which is seated.
Dolphins chief executive, Terry Reader, said today (Wednesday): “Today we announced that Kayo Sports will be the naming rights partner of our stadium here, our spiritual home here in Redcliffe where we will play three of our NRL games – not to mention our main trial in only six weeks’ time.
“This is another great example of why Brisbane needs a second team, it’s another big partner behind the club and a wonderful turn out from fans to watch the first official open training session. Kayo Stadium is Brisbane’s best boutique stadium and has hosted the NRLW Grand Final as well as being a base for Brisbane Roar’s A-League matches.
“Kayo Sports is the ultimate destination for fans and we believe Kayo Stadium will provide the same level of excitement for our members and supporters.”
Executive director of Kayo Sports, Cate Hefele, added: “The arrival of the Dolphins in the NRL means more live games, more action, and greater competition. The club has a large and passionate fan base. We can’t wait to welcome Dolphins fans, and all rugby league fans to Kayo Stadium to watch their team in action through this exciting partnership.”
