Next year we can expect to see Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens on TV every week.
This is because Sky Sports have agreed a deal to show every game next season as part of their new TV deal with the sport after the expiry of the current one this year.
This deal is worth around £20 million and will see every game shown next year which was a promise made by RL Commercial and will also see video referees at every game.
Many have questioned how this will be done. Some have suggested staggered kick-off times to allow every game on Sky like in the NRL.
But others have been expecting a red button system so fans can switch to different games when a different fixture is the lead coverage.
However, sources in France have reported that a streaming service will be set up by Sky Sports to allow fans to access the games that they want.
This would be a huge development for the sport and a step in the right direction.
This is the view of the RFL, IMG and RL Commercial who should be credited for agreeing this deal with Sky Sports.
Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, said:
“Super League’s partnership with Sky Sports has been constantly evolving since the competition was launched in 1996, and we are excited to have confirmed this significant extension which will lift that partnership, and the Super League itself, to a new level.
“To have all six fixtures in every round of the men’s Super League televised will offer major new opportunities for RL Commercial and our clubs, as well as allowing supporters to watch many more matches – and also making it possible for us to have video referees at all matches, a truly significant development for the Super League competition.
“The timing is perfect for a deal of this kind after such an exciting and competitive season underlining the genuine depth of the competition, and with Rugby League embarking on an exciting new era through our strategic partnership with IMG.
“Sky Sports also share our optimism about the potential for growth of the Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues in the next three years, so they also form an important part of the new deal.”
