Super League coverage on Channel 4 could end

Next year we will likely continue to see Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC, St Helens and the rest of Super League on Sky Sports as a new TV deal is negotiated between the sport and Sky Sports.

There is set to be a window of opportunity for free to air broadcasters to also get involved in the coverage of Super League.

Channel 4 have been involved in the last two season but beyond that there are massive questions over whether they will continue to cover the sport.

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.

It would see the partnership with Sky Sports extend for a further three years, until the end of the 2026 season – which would include the 30th anniversary of the launch of Super League’s partnership with Sky Sports for the inaugural season in 1996.

Under the proposed deal, the partnership would include the live broadcast of every Super League fixture, to the UK and worldwide – a transformative development for the competition. This would also allow for video match officials to be appointed for every match. There would also be the continuation of a free-to-air window.

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said: “I’d like to thank (Rugby League Commercial Managing Director) Rhodri Jones and everyone involved in the hard work that has taken place over a long period in a difficult landscape for the broadcasting of sport.

“There are real and positive achievements in these negotiations which will prove to be extremely valuable, in particular the availability of every game to be broadcast live and accessed all over the world. This is something that the clubs can work with Rugby League Commercial to maximise the significant exposure for our game and commercial partners.

“For the first time all the games will be officiated evenly by the provision of video referees as a result of the live coverage of every game.

“We look forward to communicating in the coming weeks with our members and fans regarding memberships for the 2024 Betfred Super League season.”