Channel 4 to broadcast live Betfred Super League

24 November 2021

• Super League live on free-to-air television for first time ever
• Ten live matches each year including two end of year Play-Off games
• Channel 4’s live coverage starts with Leeds Rhinos v Warrington Wolves on 12 February 2022

Live Super League will be broadcast on free-to-air television for the first time in its 26-year history on Channel 4.

The initial two-year partnership will see ten live Betfred Super League matches air on Channel 4 each season.

Channel 4’s Super League coverage starts on 12 February next year when eight-time Champions Leeds Rhinos host 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.”

This is the latest in a string of sports broadcasts secured by Channel 4 which have included: live coverage of Emma Raducanu’s stunning US Open victory; live British Lions rugby; live Test match cricket coverage of England’s tour in India; live coverage of the Ireland rugby union autumn internationals; and live in-depth coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games which attracted 20 million viewers.

 

Notes to editors

The 2022 Betfred Super League season kicks off on Thursday 10 February 2022.

Full fixtures for next season are scheduled to be announced on Thursday 25 November 2021.

About Super League (Europe)

Super League is the top-level professional rugby league club competition in the Northern Hemisphere having been formed in 1996. It comprises of twelve professional teams with the 2022 competition having ten (10) from England and two (2) from France.

At the end of each season the best two teams compete at Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams, in the Grand Final to see who’ll be crowned Betfred Super League champions.