London Broncos head coach Jason Demetriou has confirmed that the club’s owners have spoken to both the RFL and NRL regarding the club’s inclusion in Super League next year, whilst also revealing that broadcaster DAZN are possibly the club’s biggest advocate.
DAZN, who will be the NRL’s global broadcaster going forward, are understood to be interested in securing Super League coverage from 2027 onwards, with the current TV deal expiring.
It’s thought that Sky Sports will increase their coverage of exclusive games, those being the ones with pre- and post-match production, to three per round, with the other four matches up for tender.
Should the NRL successfully invest in Super League then DAZN will likely become the partner to pick up those remaining games and Demetriou has revealed that the broadcaster are ‘pushing’ for London Broncos to be in Super League given the capital city club’s commercial value.
Speaking to media ahead of the Broncos’ Championship Grand Final, the London boss confirmed that ‘dialogue’ about London being in Super League for 2027 had been had between the club’s owners [Grant Wechsel, Darren Lockyer and Gary Hetherington] and the RFL and NRL.
“I wouldn’t know the details of what those conversations were,” Demetriou said.
“I do know there have been conversations between both parties to try to see if we can push our case for Super League.”
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He then admitted that DAZN are among those supporting the Broncos’ bid to return to Super League for the first time since the 2024 season, as he stated: “DAZN are a big part in this as well.
“They’re somebody that, from what I understand, wants to take the other four games that Sky won’t show and what I understand is that they’re the ones that are pushing for London to have a presence because they understand the commercial value of their product in London.”
Demetriou added: “Again, I don’t think there’s a big argument from a lot of people even up north that the potential in London is here.
“We’ve got two owners that are heavily invested in growing the club commercially and being part of the city, and not only just getting in there and saying we’re in Super League, but taking the club to the level where it can compete like Wakefield have done and they’re in a Grand Final this weekend.
“Those conversations have been ongoing and fingers crossed that we can get them across the line.”
With the club’s women’s side earning promotion to Super League and the men on the brink of a treble, Demetriou explained that in terms of first years, it’s been a positive one but that ultimately, the club are ready to move towards the ‘next step’.
He said: “As a stepping stone in the first year back in terms of the new ownership, I think we’ve done some great things and we’re in a position now ready to take the club to another level, both in terms of participation and in terms of commercial growth as well.”
