Premier Sports land Championship deal

Up to 32 games from the Co-operative Championship, Championship One and Northern Rail Cup will be televised live by Premier Sports next season after a deal was agreed between the broadcaster and the RFL.

Matches will mainly be screened in the popular Thursday night viewing slot and opportunities are being explored to provide a number of double headers that will mean greater coverage for more teams.

The RFL’s Commercial Director Paul Kimberley said: “We’re delighted to confirm Premier Sports as the broadcaster for the Championships next season and look forward to working with them.

“The Championships have provided fantastic entertainment for TV viewers over the past few years and fans will now be able to watch action from the NRL and the Co-operative Championships in the same place.”

There will be one game shown live from the Championship or Championship One in each of the regular rounds and at least three play-off games will be televised as well as both the Championship and Championship One Finals.

As in previous years one game from the Northern Rail Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals will be shown live as well as the final.

Premier Sports executive Richard Webb said: “This is a superb opportunity for the channel to build on the great relationship we have with Rugby League fans in the UK. Next season we plan to broadcast 200 Rugby League games between the NRL and Championship which works out at 40p per game if fans take out a 12-month season ticket.

“Viewers can expect extended pre-match build-ups and analysis that will get to the true heart of the game at Championship level.”

Premier Sports broadcasts on the Sky platform, Channel 433. In the next 12 months they will show some 700 events with NHL, NRL, NASCAR, South American and Conference football, Boxing and MMA.

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