TV deal in works that would ‘include broadcast of every match’, including video referees

The proposed new rugby league TV deal would include the live broadcast of every Super League fixture and would allow video referees at every match, RL Commercial have confirmed.

Super League clubs have approved a new TV deal with Sky Sports following a meeting with RL Commercial and IMG.

The game will now go into a 30-day negotiating period to finalise the new three-year deal.

The proposed new contract will include the live broadcast of every Super League fixture – though all not on Sky – to the UK and worldwide, which would also allow for video referees to be appointed for every match.

And RL Commercial say there would also be the continuation of a free-to-air window, with Channel 4 having shown 10 matches this season.

RL Commercial release statement on proposed new TV deal

A press release from RL Commercial on Tuesday read: “Following a meeting of RL Commercial, IMG and Super League (Europe) Shareholders, RL Commercial will now enter a 30-day exclusive negotiating period with Sky Sports to formalise and contract the broadcast rights agreement.

“This follows a period of activity in the market that saw multiple bids tabled for the rights, with all stakeholders convinced Sky Sports are offering the best deal for the Super League competition.

“It would see the partnership with Sky Sports extend for a further three years, until the end of the 2026 season – which would include the 30th anniversary of the launch of Super League’s partnership with Sky Sports for the inaugural season in 1996.

“Under the proposed deal, the partnership would include the live broadcast of every Super League fixture, to the UK and worldwide – a transformative development for the competition. This would also allow for video match officials to be appointed for every match.

“There would also be the continuation of a free-to-air window.

“Further details will be shared on the conclusion of the negotiating period.”

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