NRL chief Andrew Abdo resigns for Tennis Australia role

Andrew Abdo has resigned as chief executive of the National Rugby League, with reports indicating he is set to join Tennis Australia in a senior role. Abdo is expected to formally announce his departure at a press conference on Monday, ending a six-year tenure that saw the sport navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve record growth.

Abdo took over the NRL’s top job on an interim basis in April 2020, replacing Todd Greenberg as the league scrambled to keep its season alive during the pandemic. He was appointed permanently in September of that year. Prior to becoming CEO, Abdo served as the NRL’s chief commercial officer from 2013.

During his leadership, the NRL expanded its footprint with the introduction of two new clubs: the Perth Bears, set to join next season, and the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, scheduled to enter the competition in 2028. Abdo also oversaw the league’s ambitious plan to open its season with matches in Las Vegas, a deal that runs through 2027. The league introduced significant rule changes under his watch, including the set-restart rule for minor infringements, a change that drew mixed reactions from players and fans.

The NRL reported record growth during the...