Peter V’landys believes the presence of Donald Trump at the NRL’s season opener in Las Vegas would be a windfall for the competition, as he extends an invite to the newly inaugurated US President.
For the second year in a row, the league is heading to the Glitter Strip in March, with the Raiders facing the Warriors and the Panthers playing the Sharks at Allegiant Stadium.
And V’landys, who unsuccessfully invited former President Joe Biden to the inaugural 2024 Vegas opener, wants Trump in attendance, telling the Sydney Morning Herald it would be ‘worth millions of dollars’ to have him there.
“We’d love to have the president there – we will certainly be inviting Mr Trump,” V’landys said.
“It would pay dividends because it would generate significant publicity across America and worldwide.
“It would be worth millions of dollars and provide us the real breakthrough we have been looking for – it would go a long way to putting league on the map.”
According to V’landys, securing Trump’s presence isn’t as far-fetched as it seems, with the President a noted fan of combat sports, having attended UFC and other fights over the years, and having spent plenty of time in Las Vegas throughout his life.
Trump also became the first Republican candidate since 2004 to win the state of Nevada in last year’s election.
“It’s not impossible,” V’landys said of the bold vision.
We know his schedule is hectic, but we also know plenty of people who have ties to him.
“He also likes going to Vegas, he always attends the UFC there, he has a close relationship with [UFC CEO] Dana White, and we have a good relationship with the UFC.
“It would be a real honour.”
Having been inaugurated on Tuesday (AEDT), Trump has already put his seal on a number of executive orders, including making it official American policy to only recognise two genders.
His presence in Vegas for the NRL launch would certainly bring added publicity to the competition.
40,746 spectators attended the double-header in the city in 2024, which saw the Sea Eagles defeat the Rabbitohs and the Roosters trump the Broncos.