Sky Sports and RL Commercial have announced a major new broadcasting agreement that will see every Betfred Super League match shown live for the first time.

The new three-year rights deal, beginning in the 2024 season, will significantly expand rugby league coverage across Sky Sports channels and streaming platforms.

The agreement represents one of the biggest changes in Super League television coverage since the competition began in 1996 and further extends Sky Sports’ long-running partnership with rugby league beyond 30 years.

Every Match Live for the First Time

Under the new agreement:

• Every Super League fixture will be broadcast live
• All six matches in each round will be televised
• Around 170 live matches per season will be shown
• Coverage will include Play-Offs and Grand Finals
• Magic Weekend fixtures will remain live on Sky Sports

The deal will also include coverage of:

• Men’s Super League
• Women’s Super League
• Wheelchair Super League

This marks the first time that every regular-season Super League game will be available live to viewers.

Previously, Sky Sports selected only certain matches each round for live coverage, leaving some fixtures unavailable live on television.

A Major Boost for Rugby League Coverage

The expanded coverage is expected to provide rugby league fans with far greater access to the sport.

Supporters will now be able to follow:

• Every club
• Every fixture round
• More midweek matches
• Full playoff coverage
• Additional women’s and wheelchair rugby league matches

Sky Sports says the agreement will deliver the most comprehensive rugby league broadcasting package ever seen in the UK.

The deal is also expected to increase visibility for clubs that previously received less television exposure.

Video Referees for Every Match

One important part of the new agreement is the introduction of video referees across all Super League fixtures.

Previously, video referees were only used for selected televised matches.

The expanded broadcasting arrangement will now allow:

• Greater consistency
• Improved officiating
• More accurate decisions
• Enhanced production quality

RL Commercial described this as a significant improvement for the integrity and professionalism of the competition.

Sky Sports Strengthens Rugby Coverage

The new Super League deal further strengthens Sky Sports’ position as one of the UK’s largest live sports broadcasters.

Sky Sports already holds rights to:

• Premier League football
• EFL football
• Formula One
• Cricket
• Golf
• NFL
• Rugby Union

Maintaining exclusive rugby league coverage helps Sky continue expanding its sports portfolio as competition increases from streaming services and rival broadcasters.

The broadcaster has invested heavily in live sports rights in recent years as live sport remains one of the strongest drivers of subscription television.

Streaming and Digital Viewing Continue to Grow

The new agreement also reflects changing viewing habits.

More viewers now watch sport through:

• Streaming apps
• Smart TVs
• Mobile devices
• Internet TV platforms
• Online subscriptions

Sky Sports says matches will be available across both traditional television channels and digital platforms.

The agreement may also help attract younger audiences increasingly consuming sports content online rather than through traditional satellite broadcasting alone.

Free-to-Air Coverage Expected to Continue

Although Sky Sports will show every live match, RL Commercial has also indicated that free-to-air opportunities are expected to continue alongside the new agreement.

In addition, plans for a dedicated Super League streaming platform have also been discussed.

Further details regarding:

• Streaming access
• Free-to-air highlights
• Additional digital services

are expected to be confirmed later.

Rugby League Viewing in Spain

British rugby league fans living in Spain often watch Super League matches through:

• Sky Sports subscriptions
• IPTV systems
• Streaming platforms
• Sports bars
• Satellite TV services

As more sports content moves toward streaming and HD broadcasting, reliable internet connections are becoming increasingly important.

In rural areas of Spain, fibre broadband and Starlink internet services are becoming more popular for stable sports streaming and live HD coverage.

What This Means for Fans

For rugby league supporters, the new agreement should mean:

• More live rugby
• Easier access to matches
• Greater club exposure
• Improved production quality
• Better consistency across fixtures

Fans will no longer need to rely solely on selected televised fixtures to follow their team throughout the season.

The expanded coverage could also help increase the visibility and popularity of rugby league both in the UK and internationally.

Final Thoughts

The new Sky Sports and Betfred Super League broadcasting agreement represents a major moment for rugby league television coverage.

For the first time, every Super League match will be available live, giving fans unprecedented access to the competition.

The deal also highlights the continuing importance of live sports broadcasting in the streaming era, with broadcasters increasingly investing in comprehensive sports rights packages to attract and retain subscribers.