RLWC2021 and IRL announce historic broadcast partnership

Rugby League World Cup 2021 organisers have announced they will enter a historic partnership with the IRL (International Rugby League), which will see the organisations work together on the broadcasting of matches and the sale of global broadcast rights.

The partnership will be responsible for the production of 61 matches at the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments, with the BBC also confirming it will show every single game live on its platforms.

The new agreement has been formed in the aim of further prioritising fan experience and creating a deeper connection with supporters across the world through ‘engaging content and powerful, in-depth storytelling’.

RLWC2021 chief executive Jon Dutton said: “The content needs of fans are changing radically and becoming more fragmented, and we want to stay ahead of the curve and meet these rapidly evolving demands.

“Our partnership with the IRL allows us to both execute a world-class broadcast production and rights strategy, which will be at the centre of our fan engagement approach and will provide an additional revenue stream for all parties.”

Nigel Wood, Chief Executive of the IRL, added: “The opportunity to work collaboratively on the broadcast production is a very sensible commercial arrangement. It puts the whole presentation of the tournament in the hands of the organisers.

“Together with the tournament’s domestic broadcast partner the BBC, we can deliver a great experience for viewers of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments. It also allows the tournament to make a range of content available to broadcasters of every kind around the world.

“Our offer to world broadcasters will be the most flexible and accessible World Cup ever.”