SportBusiness.com

Super League wins new TV deals and plans expansion

The Rugby Football League is set to expand the Super League from 12 to 14 clubs after extending its UK TV deals with BSkyB and the BBC.

The new, separate, three-year deals are worth at least £50 million and cover the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. A new franchise system will be introduced from 2009, with two additional clubs in a ring-fenced competition for the duration of the lengthened Super League deal.

The RFL’s existing five-year TV deals are worth £63 million television revenues for all competitions.

Commenting on the news, the RFL's Executive Chairman Richard Lewis said, "These broadcast agreements are tremendous news for Rugby League.
"The negotiations have resulted in a healthy revenue increase, thus giving us a great platform to continue our successful growth and future development.
"The contracts also ensure club stability and create the opportunity to invest in the Co-operative National Leagues and the community game. The outcome clearly demonstrates that Rugby League is a highly prized and valuable broadcast property which is followed by millions of viewers on a regular basis.”