The rugby league world is abuzz with news of a new partnership between stakeholders IMG and popular French channel L’Équipe Live. Reports have emerged that L’Équipe Live has secured a deal to broadcast the entire Super League season of Catalans Dragons for free. This development signifies a significant change, as all Super League games will now be more accessible to rugby league fans than ever before.
The negotiations for this groundbreaking deal are not limited to L’Équipe Live, as talks are also ongoing with TV3. Christophe Levy, the Sales Director, has expressed his excitement about the agreement, highlighting that broadcasting all matches in the United Kingdom, France, and potentially Catalonia is a historic moment. According to Levy, “This has never happened since we have been in this competition and the visibility will undoubtedly be increased in 2024.”
Amidst these developments, Sky Sports is bolstering its punditry team by adding former Catalans and Wigan Warriors veteran Sam Tomkins, who will serve as an analyst for the upcoming season. Simultaneously, the BBC and Channel 4 are preparing to compete for free-to-air broadcasting rights in the years ahead. Both the sport and its fans are entering an exciting period, with increasing accessibility to Super League content.
For those seeking to remain informed about the latest news and highlights, digital and online editions of League Express are available for purchase. In addition, a new League Express Podcast has been launched for fans to stay connected with the latest rugby league topics. With every development in the league, League Express remains a highly accessible source of information for enthusiasts and can be found at local newsagents across the north of England.
The new Super League broadcast deal represents a significant advancement for rugby league, providing fans with greater access to the sport and enhancing its visibility in key markets. With stakeholders such as IMG and major networks like L’Équipe Live and Sky Sports involved, the future of Super League broadcasting appears brighter than ever. As the sports media landscape continues to evolve, fans can anticipate more comprehensive coverage and engaging content in the years ahead.