Grand Final breaks record for viewing figures

Saturday’s Grand Final between St Helens and Salford set a new Super League record for a live TV audience.

The Old Trafford showpiece had a 43% increase in viewing figures compared to last season’s final, becoming the most-watched game since 1996.

Super League has seen a positive growth all season, seeing an 11% increase in live audience in 2019.

The Sky viewing figures for Saturday are understood to have peaked at 398,000, while the BBC highlights hit a peak of 600,000.

“This is significant news for Super League, and news we are obviously delighted with,” said Super League CEO Robert Elstone.

“The Grand Final on Saturday has been labelled as ‘one of the very best’ and it is fantastic to confirm that a record live TV audience has witnessed our showpiece event.

“Congratulations to Salford Red Devils, and our new champions St Helens, on delivering such a compelling match, and to Sky Sports for producing a superb programme which encapsulated the best of Super League both on and off the field.”

Rob Webster, Managing Director of Sky Sports, added: “We’ve enjoyed being able to produce and cover a thrilling season of Super League capped by a fantastic final at Old Trafford.

“For the first time, we also showed the Women’s Grand Final live on Sky Sports making it an amazing weekend for the sport in every way. Our customers were hooked until the final whistle on a terrific season.”