Rugby League Commercial (RLC), IMG & Endeavor Streaming have launched a new global streaming service, SuperLeague+.
The streaming platform marks the next phase of IMG’s long-term strategic partnership with RLC to reimagine the sport in the UK, which is powered by IMG sister company Endeavor Streaming.
SuperLeague+ has launched today, ahead of the Betfred Super League season, which is set to kick off on Thursday 15 February. International fans will be able to watch the opener using the platform, when Hull City take on Hull KR in a classic derby game.
In the UK and the Republic of Ireland, fans will be able to watch 106 Betfred Super League games live on the platform, with the remaining 61 games to be made available on-demand.
Live coverage in the UK will begin on Friday 16 February when reigning World Club Champions St Helens take on newly promoted London Broncos, and 2023 Betfred Challenge Cup winners Leigh Leopards play the Huddersfield Giants.
Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, commented: “The launch of SuperLeague+ marks the start of a new era for the Betfred Super League and for British Rugby League.
“Thanks to the groundbreaking deal agreed with Sky Sports last year, all six matches in each of the 27 weekly rounds of the men’s Super League through the 2024 season – a total of 162 games – will be broadcast on a variety of platforms. Sky Sports will retain exclusive live coverage of two fixtures in each round and our new OTT platform, SuperLeague+, will offer live coverage of the remaining matches.
“This live coverage of more than 100 weekly-round fixtures will be augmented by on-demand, delayed coverage of Sky’s selections for fans in the British Isles. Meanwhile, SuperLeague+ will offer live coverage of all matches in every round for international subscribers.
“SuperLeague+ will also offer a range of original programming and archive matches and features – meaning that with Sky Sports also showing more Rugby League in 2024, including selections from the Betfred Women’s and Wheelchair Super Leagues, fans will have more ways to watch more matches than ever before.”
The service will also include exclusive fan content, such as Betfred Super League highlights, archive content, dedicated club sections, and original programming such as Player Features, Super League Stories and the ‘Out of Your League’ podcast.
This news comes after the RLC and IMG announced a partnership with Voono to create a free-to-play fantasy Super League game, looking to attract a younger audience ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Peter Bellamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Endeavor Streaming, said: “For the first time, Betfred Super League fans around the world can watch live coverage of their favourite teams from one destination.
“With our world-class streaming technology and fan engagement expertise, we’re able to help the sport expand its international reach and connect directly with its global fanbase to drive even deeper engagement.”
