Sky Sports wins bid for Super League rights

The Super League has revealed it has closed the bidding process for domestic rights, with Sky Sports confirmed as the preferred bidder to broadcast the rugby tournament.

Following a meeting with the Rugby League Commercial, IMG and Super League Europe shareholders, Sky Sports will enter a 30-day exclusive negotiating period with the Rugby League Commercial to finalise the deal.

Per the agreement, Sky Sports’s broadcasting rights will be extended for a further three years, until the end of the 2026 season. This marks the 30th anniversary of Super League’s partnership with Sky Sports since 1996.

Under the proposed deal, the partnership would include the live broadcast of every Super League fixture, to the UK and worldwide. This would also allow for video match officials to be appointed for every match. Channel 4 will also continue to broadcast free-to-air programming of the Super League which includes live coverage of ten matches.

The Super League said, “This follows a period of activity in the market that saw multiple bids tabled for the rights, with all stakeholders convinced Sky Sports are offering the best deal for the Super League competition.”

Further details will be shared towards the end of the negotiating period.