Overview

• The NRL has invited U.S. President Donald Trump and UFC President Dana White to its season-opening matches in Las Vegas, but neither has confirmed attendance.
• White Ribbon Australia, a domestic violence prevention organization, has severed ties with the NRL, citing misalignment with its values due to the invitations.
• NRL officials defended the invitations, emphasizing that inviting the sitting U.S. president is standard practice and not politically motivated.
• Criticism of the invitations stems from Trump's 2023 civil case liability for sexual abuse and White's 2023 nightclub altercation with his wife, which was captured on video.
• Experts suggest the move may help the NRL's U.S. marketing efforts but warn of potential long-term damage to its reputation in Australia.