Sky Sports has been the home of Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow’s historic Grand Final display in 2011, the shocking comeback Wigan Warriors pulled off against Bradford Bulls back in 2007, the wide to West moment as St Helens also defeated the Bulls, and of course that famous Million Pound Game between Hull KR and Salford Red Devils.
But there were doubts over whether or not Sky Sports would keep the rights to the sport beyond the end of the 2023 Super League season.
This is because the deals with Sky Sports, Channel 4 and Viaplay were expiring at the end of the 2023 season.
TNT Sports, previously known as BT Sports, as well as DAZN were interested but Sky Sports have now entered into 30-day negotiations over the TV deal.
There has been talk about the value of the deal with the current deal at £24 million.
Sky Sports had warned the offer on the table would be a worrying £17 million if the sport did not change and Serious About Rugby League can confirm that the deal is worth far more than this £17m but isn’t quite the level of the £24m.
This is before added benefits are factored in such as the free to air rights and all matches being televised.
The following statement has been made:
“Following a meeting of RL Commercial, IMG and Super League (Europe) Shareholders, RL Commercial will now enter a 30-day exclusive negotiating period with Sky Sports to formalise and contract the broadcast rights agreement.
“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.
“Further details will be shared on the conclusion of the negotiating period.”
Following this, 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.”
