RFL and IMG launch amazing Super League streaming service

Rugby League Commercial (RLC) has announced the launch of its new global, direct-to-consumer streaming service, SuperLeague+. The platform is part of IMG’s long-term strategic partnership with RLC to transform the sport in the UK. Powered by IMG’s sister company Endeavor Streaming, SuperLeague+ aims to drive the sport’s digital transformation, diversify its media strategy, and expand its audience worldwide.

SuperLeague+ will start streaming all 167 matches from the 2024 Betfred Super League season on 23 January, beginning with one of the sport’s classic derby fixtures between Hull FC and Hull KR on Thursday, 15 February. The service will provide live international coverage of all the matches.

In the UK and Republic of Ireland, fans will be able to watch 106 Betfred Super League games live on the service, with the remaining 61 games available on-demand. Live coverage in the UK will start on Friday, 16 February, with the reigning World Club Champions St Helens playing against newly promoted London Broncos and 2023 Betfred Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards facing off against the Huddersfield Giants (both 8pm UK kick-off).

In addition to live matches, SuperLeague+ will also offer exclusive fan content, such as Betfred Super League highlights, archive content, dedicated club sections, and original programming like Player Features, Super League Stories, and the Out of Your League podcast.

This will work alongside Sky Sports‘ coverage who have drafted in Sam Tomkins.

RFL delighted with new Super League streaming

Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “The launch of SuperLeague+ marks the start of a new era for the Betfred Super League and for British Rugby League. Thanks to the groundbreaking deal agreed with Sky Sports last year, all six matches in each of the 27 weekly rounds of the men’s Super League through the 2024 season – a total of 162 games – will be broadcast on a variety of platforms. Sky Sports will retain exclusive live coverage of two fixtures in each round and our new OTT platform, SuperLeague+, will offer live coverage of the remaining matches.

“This live coverage of more than 100 weekly-round fixtures will be augmented by on-demand, delayed coverage of Sky’s selections for fans in the British Isles. Meanwhile, SuperLeague+ will offer live coverage of all matches in every round for international subscribers. SuperLeague+ will also offer a range of original programming and archive matches and features – meaning that with Sky Sports also showing more Rugby League in 2024, including selections from the Betfred Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues, fans will have more ways to watch more matches than ever before.”

Peter Bellamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Endeavor Streaming, said: “For the first time, Betfred Super League fans around the world can watch live coverage of their favourite teams from one destination. With our world-class streaming technology and fan engagement expertise, we’re able to help the sport expand its international reach and connect directly with its global fanbase to drive even deeper engagement.”