Championship set for Monday night TV slot
The Championship are set for a Monday night TV slot from 2022, the Rugby Football League has announced.
The RFL has confirmed a two-year broadcast partnership with Premier Sports.
Under the partnership, Premier Sports will show live coverage from the start of the Championship season to the play-offs – including every match of the Summer Bash.
With one game from every regular round, that means more than 30 Championship matches will be shown next season.
The deal with Premier Sports also includes coverage of seven Challenge Cup ties through spring. The broadcast partner will secure secondary rights to the competition – including two of the quarter-finals.
An exciting prospect for the Championship
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “This is such an exciting and positive announcement for the Betfred Championship clubs, and for the sport as a whole.
“Premier Sports have been excellent partners for the sport in the past, with their coverage of the Championship and also the 2013 World Cup, and it’s great to have them back in rugby league.
“They played a key role in pioneering Thursday night rugby league, and now we will be working with all our clubs to ensure the success of regular Monday night matches – which provide the Championship with a fantastic platform.
“I know Premier Sports have exciting plans to offer special subscription incentives for season ticket holders from the Betfred Championship clubs.
“One of the highlights of the 2021 season has been the re-emergence of the Betfred Championship and League 1 competitions after the disruption caused by the pandemic in 2020.
“We’ve seen again the quality of players on the field and the passion of the supporters off it.
“The competition promises to be even more exciting in 2022 with the involvement of so many proud and ambitious clubs – and with Premier Sports following it all the way.”
Premier Sports founder Michael O’Rourke said: “We are delighted to be covering the rugby league Championship once again and taking coverage to another level with the pick of each round’s fixtures on a Monday night.
“We look forward to bringing viewers a terrific line-up of top presenters and pundits to review each weekend’s talking points before showcasing the game of the round live.
“We believe this, alongside Challenge Cup matches, the Summer Bash and the Million Pound Game, will come together to make a really strong offering for rugby league supporters.”