Sky Sports has announced it will continue to broadcast live Betfred Super League matches for a further two seasons, taking the ongoing partnership to 28 years.
The extension will see Sky Sports continue its long-standing relationship until at least the end of the 2023 season.
The pay-TV broadcaster will continue to show the biggest Super League games with 66 live matches exclusively per season, including flagship events Magic Weekend and the Super League Grand Final, as well as the World Club Challenge.
Sky Sports will have the first pick of games in each of the regular season rounds, as well as first pick in each of the Play-Off weeks, meaning fans can expect to find the biggest clashes each week live and exclusive on Sky Sports.
The broadcaster will also work with Super League to reach new audiences by making some of this season’s fixtures available via free-to-air Sky platforms.
Commenting on the rights extension, Rob Webster, Sky Sports managing director:
“We’re delighted to be continuing our rights deal with the Betfred Super League to 2023. It is a testament to the quality of the competition and our coverage that sees our partnership move beyond a quarter of a century.
“The Betfred Super League continues to produce fantastic drama on the pitch and is an essential part of our offering to Sky Sports customers. We look forward to bringing our viewers more magic moments from the competition in the years to come.”
Sky’s current five-year exclusive Super League deal was due to expire at the end of the 2021 season. The new deal brings to an end a protracted series of negotiations which began prior to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Love Rugby League, the new deal is thought to be worth around £25m per season, compared to the current £40m a year deal.
Super League executive chairman Ken Davy added:
“It’s great to be able to extend our excellent partnership with Sky Sports. Sky have been with us from the start of the competition, back in 1996, and are now an integral part of the Super League family. Together out partnership has seen Super League achieve record viewing figures in recent years.
“We’ve worked closely throughout the current pandemic and every step of the way Sky have been immensely supportive. Together we have managed to give fans an exceptional amount of coverage during these unprecedented times.
“We’re truly grateful for Sky Sports comprehensive Super League coverage, capturing so many iconic moments for over 25 years. Their coverage of Jack Welsby’s unbelievable last minute try to win the 2020 Betfred Super League Grand Final for St Helens will remain in the memory of fans for many years to come.
“Super League looks forward to working with Sky Sports on the exciting free-to-air opportunity, growing our audience and allowing more fans than ever before to see our great game.”
The new TV deal with Sky Sports does not include live rights to broadcast the Championship and League 1, with the RFL in talks with other broadcasters over coverage of these matches.
Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Post reports that a selected number of Super League games may be be televised live on free-to-air TV from next season, possibly as many as ten matches.
Currently, the BBC broadcasts regular weekly Super League highlights on The Super League Show, as well as live matches from the Challenge Cup. The corporation will be exclusively covering the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
For a full list of all forthcoming major rugby league matches on the box, visit SOTB’s dedicated rugby league on TV listings page.
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