How Much Is Kid Laroi Getting Paid for NRL?

The National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final is one of Australia’s most anticipated sporting events, drawing massive crowds both in stadiums and on television screens. In 2024, the NRL made headlines by securing Australian rapper and global superstar The Kid LAROI to headline the pre-game entertainment at Accor Stadium. His performance, a high-energy medley of hits like “Baby I’m Back,” “Girls,” “Stay,” “Without You,” and a surprise cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” captivated the 80,000-strong crowd and millions watching at home. But one question has been on everyone’s mind: how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details surrounding his performance, explore the financial landscape of grand final entertainment, and speculate on the potential payout for this rising star.

The Kid LAROI: A Global Sensation with Local Roots

Before we tackle the question of how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL, let’s take a moment to appreciate the artist behind the performance. Born Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard on August 17, 2003, in Waterloo, New South Wales, The Kid LAROI is a proud Kamilaroi man and a die-hard South Sydney Rabbitohs fan. His connection to rugby league runs deep, having grown up in Sydney’s southern suburbs, where he would drive past Rabbitohs training sessions at Redfern Oval, dreaming of blending his love for music and the sport.

LAROI’s rise to fame has been meteoric. Discovered by Triple J Unearthed at just 13 years old, he signed with Grade A Productions and Columbia Records, gaining international recognition through collaborations with artists like Juice WRLD, Justin Bieber, and Miley Cyrus. His 2020 debut mixtape, Fck Love*, topped the ARIA Charts, making him the youngest Australian solo act to achieve this milestone. Hits like “Stay” and “Without You” have amassed billions of streams on Spotify, cementing his status as a global pop and hip-hop powerhouse.

In 2024, LAROI returned to Australia for the NRL Grand Final, fresh off the North American leg of his The First Time tour and the release of the deluxe version of his album The First Time. His performance was a homecoming moment, blending his passion for rugby league with his musical talent. But what kind of paycheck comes with such a high-profile gig?

The Financial Landscape of NRL Grand Final Entertainment

To answer how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL, we need to understand the broader context of grand final entertainment budgets. The NRL Grand Final is a marquee event, often compared to the AFL Grand Final or even the NFL’s Super Bowl in terms of cultural significance in Australia. Pre-game performances are a major draw, designed to hype up the crowd and enhance the event’s spectacle. Over the years, the NRL has booked a mix of local and international acts, from Jimmy Barnes and Cold Chisel to international stars like Macklemore and Ricky Martin.

However, the NRL has faced criticism for occasionally lackluster entertainment choices, prompting a shift toward booking younger, more relevant artists like LAROI to appeal to a broader audience. Unlike the AFL, which reportedly paid Katy Perry around AU$5 million for her 2024 Grand Final performance, the NRL tends to operate with a more modest budget for entertainment. Still, securing a global star like The Kid LAROI suggests a significant investment, as his star power and international appeal come at a premium.

Comparing Entertainment Budgets: NRL vs. AFL

One way to estimate how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL is to compare the NRL’s budget to that of its rival, the Australian Football League (AFL). According to reports, Katy Perry’s 2024 AFL Grand Final performance commanded a fee of approximately AU$5 million, reflecting her status as a global pop icon with 59.7 million Spotify listeners. In contrast, The Kid LAROI, while a rising star with 45.9 million Spotify listeners, is likely considered a tier below Perry in terms of global fame. This suggests his fee would be lower, though still substantial given his relevance and connection to Australian audiences.

The NRL typically keeps payment details for grand final performers confidential, making it challenging to pinpoint an exact figure. However, industry insiders estimate that high-profile acts for events of this magnitude can command anywhere from AU$500,000 to AU$2 million, depending on their stature, performance duration, and production costs (e.g., pyrotechnics, staging, and crew). LAROI’s performance, which lasted about 12 minutes and featured elaborate fireworks and smoke effects, likely required significant production investment, which could influence his overall compensation.

Factors Influencing The Kid LAROI’s Payment

Several factors play into determining how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL:

1. Market Value and Popularity: LAROI’s net worth is estimated at $4 million to $8 million, driven by music sales, streaming royalties, tours, and brand endorsements (e.g., JBL). His ability to sell out arenas, as seen during his 2024 The First Time tour, indicates a high market value. However, as a younger artist compared to veterans like Perry, his fee is likely lower but still in the high six-figure or low seven-figure range.
2. Cultural Connection: As a Kamilaroi man and Rabbitohs fan, LAROI’s personal connection to the NRL and Australia may have influenced his decision to perform for a potentially lower fee than he might command internationally. His excitement about the gig, described as a “pinch myself moment,” suggests he valued the opportunity beyond just financial gain.
3. Production Costs: The NRL’s investment in LAROI’s performance wasn’t just about his fee. The elaborate staging, including fireworks, smoke effects, and lighting, likely added to the overall budget. While these costs are separate from the artist’s payment, they reflect the NRL’s commitment to a high-impact show, which could justify a higher fee for a polished performer like LAROI.
4. Negotiation and Sponsorships: Third-party agreements, such as sponsorships, can sometimes offset artist fees. The NRL Grand Final is supported by major sponsors like Telstra and Destination NSW, which may contribute to the entertainment budget. While there’s no evidence of specific sponsorships tied to LAROI’s performance, such arrangements could reduce the direct cost to the NRL.

Speculating on The Kid LAROI’s NRL Payment

So, how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL? While exact figures remain undisclosed, we can make an educated guess based on available information. Given that Katy Perry earned AU$5 million for her AFL performance, and considering LAROI’s slightly lower global profile, estimates for his fee range from AU$500,000 to AU$1.5 million. This range aligns with industry standards for major event performances by artists of his caliber. For context, past NRL performers like Macklemore (2017) reportedly earned around AU$1 million, though international acts often command higher fees than local talent.

LAROI’s status as an Australian artist with a strong local fanbase and cultural ties to the NRL likely made him an attractive choice, potentially allowing the NRL to negotiate a fee on the lower end of this spectrum. However, his international success and the high production value of his performance suggest the NRL made a “significant investment” to secure his talents, as noted by Sporting News. A reasonable estimate might place his payment around AU$750,000 to AU$1 million, factoring in his market value, the event’s prestige, and production costs.

Fan and Critic Reactions to LAROI’s Performance

The question of how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL also ties into how his performance was received, as perceived value can influence future bookings. LAROI’s set was a mix of his biggest hits and a nod to Australian music history with his INXS cover, earning praise for its polish and energy. Fans at Accor Stadium and on social media lauded his stage presence, with one tweeting, “The NRL getting Kid LAROI is so f***ing goated,” and another praising his ability to “nail that big note” in “Never Tear Us Apart.”

However, not everyone was impressed. Some fans criticized the excessive smoke effects, with comments like, “Can anyone actually see The Kid LAROI through the smoke?” Others felt the audio quality was subpar, noting that his microphone was too quiet. A few traditionalists even questioned the choice of a young rapper over classic acts like Cold Chisel, with one fan asking, “Where’s Jimmy Barnes?” Despite the mixed reactions, LAROI’s performance was widely seen as a step up from some of the NRL’s past entertainment choices, justifying the investment.

The Bigger Picture: Why The Kid LAROI Was Worth It

Beyond the question of how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL, his selection as the 2024 Grand Final headliner reflects the NRL’s strategic shift toward younger, globally relevant artists. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo described LAROI as embodying “the energy, excitement, and ambition of rugby league,” highlighting his role in attracting a diverse audience. The 2024 season broke records for club membership, attendance, and viewership, and LAROI’s performance helped elevate the event’s global appeal.

For LAROI, the gig was a chance to connect with his Australian roots and perform for a massive hometown crowd. His set, complete with pyrotechnics and a tribute to INXS’s Michael Hutchence, showcased his versatility and stagecraft, further solidifying his status as a global star. While the exact figure of his payment remains a mystery, the NRL’s investment in him paid off in terms of buzz, fan engagement, and cultural relevance.

Conclusion: The Cost of Stardom

So, how much is Kid LAROI getting paid for NRL? While we can’t pin down an exact number, estimates suggest a fee in the range of AU$750,000 to AU$1 million, reflecting his rising star power, the event’s prestige, and the NRL’s budget constraints compared to the AFL. His performance was a testament to his talent and connection to Australian culture, making him a worthy choice for the 2024 Grand Final. As LAROI continues to dominate the global music scene, his NRL appearance will remain a career highlight, proving that sometimes, the value of a performance goes beyond the paycheck.