The NRL will be without an official program for the first time in a century with Big League magazine to be shut down for 2020.

The weekly publication’s six full-time staff were told on Wednesday morning that it would not be produced this year because NRL games will go ahead without crowds.

“As the season’s fixtures will be played without live audiences, we can’t sell Big League at venues or complete corporate sales,” a News Corp spokesman told AAP.

“It’s a necessary commercial decision that has unfortunately led to the Big League team being made redundant.

“Our decision follows close consultation with the NRL. We look forward to working with the NRL to review arrangements in advance of the 2021 season.”

Officially owned by the NRL and licensed to News Corp, the magazine has been the record for the game since its inception in 1920.

Under a long-standing deal the league pays the media company an annual fee to produce the magazine.

News Corp then pays for staff salaries and production costs.

Staff had been stood down since the competition was stopped in March, with Wednesday’s announcement following the NRL’s attempt to cut costs across the game by up to $50 million.

The home of team lists for the game, every player who has played first grade or lower grades in the last 100 years has featured in the magazine.

It also produces the official programs for State of Origin and grand finals, as well as the season guide.

The first two rounds for this season and the overall preview had already been printed and sold.

Big League’s absence leaves the code without a recognised magazine this year after Rugby League Week was shut down by Bauer Media Group in 2017.