Super League breaks impressive 17-year attendance record as 2025 crowds boom

[josie andrews]

Super League crowds continue to rise in impressive fashion: with the competition setting a 17-year record in the opening fortnight of the new campaign.

Attendances were up significantly in 2024 as the impact of IMG’s arrival in the sport begins to take shape. And that trend has continued into the early stages of 2025, Love Rugby League can reveal – with the highest combined attendance for the opening two rounds of a season for almost 20 years.

https://www.loverugbyleague.com/post/su ... rowds-boom

[ancientnloyal]

They make it sound like IMG are to be cheered here.

[moto748]

Yeah, not too much rapier-like journalistic instinct there.

[Mike]

I know.

Every match on TV.

Crowds up year on year.

Record engagement.

Captains challenge brought in now we e got multiple cameras at every game.

Total failure.

[WarriorWinger]

Not sure in what direction this discussion is going at the moment, but I think what one of the posters is trying to say is that, how can it be quantified that the uptake is the results of IMG's involvement as I suspect me and others haven't really seen what they have actually brought in as yet.

Wasn't the TV deal done before they were involved so all games are now on TV, the grading system has not yet come into force as such, so can't really say that has had an impact on the game, however clubs are working towards the IMG grading system with things like digital presence etc. so that may of had an impact.

I am happy to give IMG time to work their magic as such and hopefully in the next 10 years when the contract runs out we are in a much stronger position, but are IMG responsible for the current records, who knows?

[morley pie eater]

It's a use of statistics which is typical of advertisers and politicians. "70% of 10 people liked our shampoo."

Attendances at two rounds of the comp is not a basis any half-decent statistician would accept. There are too many factors that might come into play, like who played, the weather, kick-off times, distance to travel, traffic conditions and so on. All could affect the numbers.

Half way through the season would be the first reasonable time to get a decent judgement.

[fozzie58]

Let’s see if the crowds hold up as the season wears on before throwing the bunting out

[Mike]

Don't worry. Even if things are greatly improved in terms of strength of clubs and robustness of support - it won't be anything to do with IMG. It will be the RFL? Oh wait, no, definitely not them. Magic I suppose, or would have happened anyway - two good fallbacks there.

[Wiganer Ted]

Crowds might well hold up.
Wakey are back and are going to get full home attendances, their away support will probably be good too.
As for us, we've the Good Friday game at home which should be larger than last year's home gave v Saints.
Leigh game was up on last year.