1. Id wait for the actual annual report for the actual figures before believing this.
2. If the NRL reported 144.2 million in 2016, then it hasnt doubled in 5 years - In 2012 the ARLC reported $84,104,333.00 in non broadcast revenue - you'd need to find another 26 million in non broadcast revenues to double it. Its even worse if that figure is only 145 million.
3. IF they only got 144.2 million in 2016, that figure is down on what the reported figures were for non broadcast revenue in 2015 ($149,151,000.00)
3. If they reported 144.2 million in 2016 then congratulations, the NRL is still behind where the AFL was in 2008. ($152,139,000.00)
4. As for "flexes its muscle" - AFL non broadcast revenue in 2015 was reported at $275,072,000.