Live Super League will be broadcast on free-to-air television for the first time in its 26-year history, following a deal with Channel 4.
Ten live Betfred Super League matches will be broadcast on Channel 4 from the 2022 season. Remaining matches will remain on Sky Sports.
Channel 4’s debut is on the 12th February 2022, with live coverage of Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves. The remaining nine games will be spread across the season and include two end of season play off fixtures.
Channel 4’s Head of Sport Pete Andrews (pictured above) said:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing Super League to free-to-air television for the first time in its history. It’s fantastic news for rugby fans and it’s a really special addition to Channel 4’s sports portfolio particularly since it’s one of our first major partnerships since moving to our new National HQ building at the Majestic in Leeds.”
Ken Davy, Super League chairman, said:
“We are delighted to be able to confirm a brand-new broadcast partnership with Channel 4. They have a great track record of showing some of the best sporting competitions. The opportunity to offer live Betfred Super League action to fans on a free-to-air platform across the whole season is fantastic and one that we hope will continue to serve our current fans, as well as attract many new fans to the sport. I must thank our principal broadcast partner, Sky Sports, without whose support this partnership would not have been possible.”
C4 sports deals
This is the latest in a series of sports broadcasts secured by Channel 4 as part of a wider co-operation deal with Sky. Since the co-operation began in 2018, Channel 4 has been able to show live F1 and cricket in conjunction with Sky Sports. Separately, Channel 4 struck a deal with Amazon earlier this year to allow it to show the US Open women’s final. It also has a standalone agreement to cover the Paralympics.