Super League kicks off new season with overseas rights deals

Rugby league’s Super League, which comprises clubs from England and France, has agreed new broadcast deals in Australia, New Zealand, France, North America and the Middle East.

In Australia, pay-television operator Fox Sports has acquired rights under a five-year deal running from 2015 to 2019. Pay-television broadcaster Sky New Zealand has agreed a two-year contract to cover the 2015 and 2016 seasons of the Super League.

Super League has confirmed a three-year agreement, from 2015 to 2017, to show the competition exclusively live on pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports in France. French team Catalan Dragons will feature at least 11 times live during regular season coverage.

Fox Sports has signed a five-year agreement to cover the Super League exclusively live throughout North America, while pay-television operator OSN has also agreed a five-year deal covering the Middle East.

The agreements were reached between governing body the Rugby Football League, Super League and the competition’s UK rights-holder, pay-television broadcaster Sky.

The 2015 Super League season kicked off on Thursday, with Wigan Warriors drawing 22-22 against Widnes Vikings.