Rugby Super League renews Sky Sports deal, promises FTA matches

Rugby’s Super League has extended its broadcast rights deal with Sky Sports for a further two seasons.

The renewal will see the pair’s partnership reach 28 years, with Sky to broadcast the competition in the UK and Republic of Ireland until the end of the 2023 season. 

Sky Sports will broadcast 66 live Betfred Super League games exclusively per season, with the deal including flagship events Dacia Magic Weekend and the Betfred Super League Grand Final. 

In addition, the new agreement will see Sky Sports 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. Sky also said that it would make a number of this season’s fixtures available via free-to-air Sky platforms.

Sky Sports managing director Rob Webster said: “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.”

Super League executive chairman Ken Davy said: “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 our partnership has seen Super League achieve record viewing figures in recent years.

“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.”