Broadcasting giants battle it out for Super League's free-to-air coverage

[josie andrews]

The two companies both want to show Super League games next season.

The BBC and Channel 4 are battling it out to secure Super League's free-to-air coverage next season. Rugby League Live understands the two broadcasters are in talks with Rugby League Commercial and a decision is set to be made in the next four weeks.

For the last two seasons, it has been Channel 4 who took the unprecedented stride of showing Super League on terrestrial television, with their coverage earning praise. While they are interested in continuing that partnership, they now face competition from the BBC who are looking to expand their coverage of the sport beyond their long-standing Challenge Cup programming and showcasing of the international game.

Officials are understood to have been updated during last week's Council meeting with Rugby League Commercial said to be 'positive' about landing a deal with one of the broadcasters ahead of the new season. It's unclear what the financial package for the coverage looks like but having two companies in the mix is seen as a positive from a negotiation standpoint.

Super League coverage is set to take a historical step next year, with every single game to be broadcast. Every match in the opening 15 rounds of the season will be shown on Sky Sports while a new streaming app will be launched in 2024 providing supporters with further access to games.

But as part of the new arrangement with Sky, a selection of games can also be broadcast on free-to-air television and that has now become the focus as the new season approaches.

Sky Sports will get the first two picks of every round before the free-to-air broadcaster gets their selection. As part of the new broadcast deal, there will be video referees at every match.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... r-28314684