Sky Sports scores two-year Super League broadcast deal

Sky Sports has agreed a two-year extension to its Betfred Super League broadcast deal. 

The agreement will take the broadcaster’s relationship with the rugby league competition through to 2023, making it 28 years that the pair have worked together.

Sky Sports will air 66 live games a season exclusively, including the Dacia Magic Weekend, Play-Offs and the Betfred Super League Grand Final. It will also have first pick of each regular season round, and each Play Off round.

In addition to its coverage for subscribers, the pay-TV broadcaster will make some matches available through its free-to-air platforms.

Sky Sports managing director, Rob Webster, said: “We’re delighted to be continuingour rights deal with the Betfred Super League to 2023. It is testament to the quality of the competition and our coverage that sees our partnership move beyond a quarter of a century.”

Betfred Super League executive chairman, Ken Davy, added: “It’s great to be able to extend our excellent partnership with Sky Sports. Sky have been with us from the start of the competition, back in 1996, and are now an integral part of the Super League family. Together our partnership has seen Super League achieve record viewing figures in recent years.

“We’ve worked closely throughout the current pandemic and every step of the way Sky have been immensely supportive. Together we have managed to give fans an exceptional amount of coverage during these unprecedented times.

“We’re truly grateful for Sky Sports comprehensive Super League coverage, capturing so many iconic moments for over 25 years. Their coverage of Jack Welsby’s unbelievable last minute try to win the 2020 Betfred Super League Grand Final for St Helens will remain inthe memory of fans for many years to come.

“Super League looks forward to working with Sky Sports on the exciting free-to-air opportunity, growing our audience and allowing more fans than ever before to see our great game.”

This year’s Super League got underway a month ago after a two-week postponement due to Covid-19, with St. Helens and Wigan Warriors the two teams to have a 100% record from the first four games.