BBC tipped to lose rights to Rugby Super League as rivals look primed to sign TV deal

The BBC is tipped to lose TV rights to the Super League when the current broadcast deal expires at the end of the year – with DAZN primed to take its place.

The 2026 season wrapped up on Saturday when Wakefield Trinity ended a 57-year wait for a title by beating Warrington Wolves in the Grand Final at a sold-out Old Trafford.

Sky Sports is the rugby league competition's primary broadcaster and has shown every match for the last three seasons as part of an agreement reportedly worth £21.5 million a year.

Since 2023, when it replaced Channel 4 as the Super League's free-to-air partner, the BBC has shown around 10 live matches per season alongside Challenge Cup matches.

However, it appears the Super League is set to become the latest sporting event to leave the broadcaster – after the Commonwealth Games and Rugby League World Cup – amid ongoing talk of budget cuts.

A report from the Daily Mail claims that the BBC is set to lose the TV broadcast rights when the current deal expires at the end of the year.

It is understood the new agreement will see coverage split between Sky Sports and DAZN, while it is unclear whether there will be a free-to-air option available for UK viewers.

It remains to be seen whether the Beebs' Challenge Cup coverage will be impacted as well.

Radio Times has reached out directly to the BBC for comment.

The CEO of the Rugby Football League, the sport's English governing body, Rhodri Jones, hinted at a change in broadcaster when he discussed a new TV deal in August.

Jones suggested he expected the new agreement to be worth more than the

Predicting a more lucrative deal than the one that is set to expire, he said: "I think it will look good, it will be a positive bid, it will be a positive announcement,” he said.

“All games are being televised at the moment and that will be the case moving forward.

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

“There might be a change in broadcasters, but... what we’re trying to do is improve both the valuation of the asset, but also improve the production quality and the visibility of the sport.

“So … and the way the game is presented. And I think we’ll find a combination that will do that.”

Check out more of our Sport coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.