The NRL has reportedly signed off on a record $1.8 billion TV deal for seasons 2018-2022.

As part of the deal, the Nine Network has given up its rights to a Saturday fixture to Fox Sports for $35 million, News Corp Australia reports.

As part of the deal, expected to be announced on Thursday afternoon, simulcast rights will be shared between Nine, Fox and Telstra, who have secured the digital rights.

As part of the new deal, Monday night football has been scrapped with Fox handed a Friday night match instead.

The deal will also usher in a dedicated rugby league channel to Fox Sports in 2017 and it allows the pay-TV outfit to maintain their vital monopoly on coverage of Saturday night rugby league.

In August, Nine signed a $925 million deal for the free-to-air rights that included a Saturday fixture.

However, as part of that agreement Nine were given the option to on-sell the match to Fox Sports.

In a media release on Thursday morning, Nine said a deal had not been done yet but confirmed it was in talks to offload its Saturday night game.

“NEC (Nine Entertainment Co.) confirms that it is in discussions with the ARLC and Fox Sports about a potential variation to NEC’s rights to broadcast NRL matches,” the release read.

“No agreement has been reached on any transaction.

“Should an agreement be reached NEC will make an appropriate announcement to the market in accordance with disclosure obligations.”