Sky Sports confirm deal with NRL

Sky Sports has now confirmed that they have signed a five-year deal with the NRL to broadcast games LIVE.

It will mean NRL matches will be shown LIVE by the popular broadcast organisation in over a decade.

The new five-year deal means that, from 2018, Sky Sports will show nearly 200 Rugby League matches per year, doubling last year’s total.

The deal includes weekly NRL matches, the NRL finals series and Grand Final, Holden State of Origin Series and further action from the southern hemisphere including the Nines tournament, NRL All Stars and Trans-Tasman, Pacific Test and Australian Test matches.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “Sky Sports is the home of rugby league, and the addition of NRL brings the global game to our customers.

“We have the best of both hemispheres for Sky Sports Action and Arena to deliver every thrilling moment of one of the toughest leagues in world sport.”

Todd Greenberg, NRL CEO, added: “We’re delighted that Sky Sports will be showcasing rugby league to this extent in 2018 and beyond.

“Our aim is always to ensure that as many people as possible are able to watch rugby league, and this deal will further ensure that the NRL Premiership, as well as many more of our elite competitions and games, will get the audience they deserve.”

The NRL season starts on March 8, with Sky’s first games being shown on Saturday 10 March.

Up first is the South Sydney Rabbitohs up against the New Zealand Warriors, followed by 2017 Premiers Melbourne Storm facing Canterbury Bulldogs.