RFL in talks with surprise broadcaster over Super League TV deal

RL Commercial are in talks with multiple free to air broadcasters ahead of the 2024 Super League season.

Two named broadcasters have been current free to air broadcasters Channel 4 and Challenge Cup broadcasters BBC whilst other parties have been interested in the rights as well.

Serious About Rugby League understands that a decision is expected at the start of the new year which will see fans find out where they can watch around 10 Super League fixtures in the 2024 season.

There is also a question over the coverage of the Challenge Cup in 2024 with Viaplay, previously known as Premier Sports, showing four Challenge Cup ties involving Super League clubs as part of their Championship broadcasting deal.

BBC will continue to be the premier broadcasters of the cup but their deal expires in 2024. The first round TV details have already been confirmed.

The stand-out Round 1 tie of the 2024 Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup, the Royal Air Force versus the Royal Navy, will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport online on Saturday 13 January (KO 12:30pm) from RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Both sides reached Round 2 of the 2023 competition, the RAF winning at Doncaster Toll Bar before losing narrowly to York Acorn, and the Royal Navy beating Barrow Island before suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of North Wales Crusaders from the professional ranks. Only one of them can make Round 2 this time around, while the third Forces’ team, British Army, face a tough trip to Castleford to take on leading Yorkshire Men’s League side Fryston Warriors.

20 clubs from the community game and Armed Forces went into the hat for Round 1, where North West Men’s League Champions Orrell St James will have home advantage against Challenge Cup first-timers Haresfinch. Yorkshire Men’s League Champions Newsome Panthers travel south to take on Wests Warriors in the capital, while another London side, reigning Southern Conference champions Hammersmith Hills Hoists, will face another side making their Challenge Cup bow – Gillingham’s Medway Dragons.

The draw for Round Two has been made but there has been no decision made on which games will be broadcast. It is set to be a fantastic road to Wembley.