BBC Sport has secured a three-year TV rights deal with Rugby League Commercial to broadcast live Super League matches.
The deal will see 15 live matches a year benefit from coverage on the free-to-air broadcaster.
The BBC’s first live broadcast fixture will take place on Saturday 17th February when the Castleford Tigers face Wigan Warriors.
As well as live games, BBC will showcase highlights and clips of key moments from every Super League match on the BBC Sport website and app.
Digital highlights and clips from the Women’s Super League, including both the semi-finals and the Grand Final, will also be available on the same platforms.
In addition to broadcast coverage, BBC has sealed the audio rights. BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds will provide full Super League match commentaries each week.
Phillip Bernie, Interim Director of BBC Sport, said, “Nothing beats live sporting action and, combined with our team’s outstanding expert commentary and coverage, this new deal will deliver so much for rugby league fans to enjoy.
“With more live games than ever before on the BBC, including live Super League matches for the very first time, and a new digital highlights package which will show the key action from the weekend’s matches, we are really excited about our expanded offer for this great sport.”
Rhodri Jones, Managing Director for Rugby League Commercial, added, “This is a landmark agreement for Rugby League. Securing live free to air coverage on the BBC for the Super League competition as part of this reimagined partnership, means there will be more visibility than ever before.
“To guarantee the Challenge Cup coverage for a further three years also is testament to the BBC’s commitment to one of the oldest rugby tournaments in the world, whilst acknowledging the sport of Rugby League is for everyone, with their continued coverage of the Women’s and Wheelchair competitions.
“The platform is now set for our players to show off their skill, speed and passion for those in the stadia, and to those watching at home.”
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SHORTS: RUGBY LEAGUE, UDOGIE, FALCONS
