World Rugby, IMG sign media rights deal

World Rugby and sports marketing agency IMG have agreed a long-term media rights partnership aimed at accelerating rugby's growth in the US and globally, building on a 30-year relationship. IMG will provide strategic advisory services on US and global media rights, distribution, and content, particularly in the lead-up to upcoming Rugby World Cups, including events already secured in Australia for 2027 and 2029 and in the US for 2031 and 2033. Recent work by IMG includes advising on World Rugby's domestic media rights deal with Nine Entertainment and securing a US broadcast partnership with CBS Sports through 2029.