Super League matches will be broadcast live on free-to-air television for the first time in its 26-year history after Channel 4 secured a landmark rights deal.
The initial two-year partnership will see 10 live Betfred Super League matches broadcast live on Channel 4 each season.
Channel 4’s Super League coverage will kick off on Saturday, 12 February 2022, when eight-time champions Leeds Rhinos play host to Warrington Wolves at Headlingley.
The remaining nine Channel 4 live games will be spread across the season and include two end-of-season play-off fixtures, while free-to-air highlights of the October’s Grand Final at Old Trafford will also be screened on Channel 4.
Commenting on the deal which also brings live rugby league to Channel 4 for the first time, Pete Andrews, the broadcaster’s Head of Sport, said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Super League to free-to-air television for the first time in its history.
“It’s fantastic news for rugby fans and it’s a really special addition to Channel 4’s sports portfolio particularly since it’s one of our first major partnerships since moving to our new National HQ building at the Majestic in Leeds.”
Channel 4’s live matches will compliment Sky Sports’ existing coverage of 66 live Super League games per season.
The pay-TV broadcaster recently secured a two-year extension to its rights deal and 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.
Ken Davy, Super League chairman, added:
“We are delighted to be able to confirm a brand-new broadcast partnership with Channel 4. They have a great track record of showing some of the best sporting competitions.
“The opportunity to offer live Betfred Super League action to fans on a free-to-air platform across the whole season is fantastic and one that we hope will continue to serve our current fans, as well as attract many new fans to the sport.
“I must thank our principal broadcast partner, Sky Sports, without whose support this partnership would not have been possible.”
Channel 4 will confirm its broadcast plans and presentation line-up for its Super League coverage in due course.
The 2022 Betfred Super League season kicks off on Thursday, 10 February, with live matches throughout the season on Sky Sports and Channel 4.
Details of Channel 4’s opening live Betfred Super League matches can be found below.
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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SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY
Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves
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12:30 |
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SATURDAY 19th FEBRUARY
Hull FC v St Helens
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12:30 |
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SATURDAY 19th MARCH
Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity
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12:30 |
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SUNDAY 24th APRIL
Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils
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12:30 |
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