Premier Sports Secures UK and Ireland Broadcast Rights for Rugby League World Cup 2026

International Rugby League has announced that Premier Sports has secured the exclusive broadcast rights for the IRL Rugby League World Cup 2026 across the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The agreement extends a long-standing association between the broadcaster and international rugby league, having previously covered the 2013 and 2017 tournaments. 

Negotiated by global sports marketing agency IMG as the exclusive global media rights partner, the high-profile media deal reinforces the governing body’s commercial strategy to increase financial investment into the global game. The partnership follows prior announcements confirming Premier Sports coverage for Canada and twenty countries across South-East Asia, establishing an international distribution framework ahead of the tournament’s kickoff in Sydney on October 15.

The global showcase will comprise fifty-three matches across men’s, women’s, and wheelchair tournaments, featuring high-stakes fixtures such as the opening clash between Australia and New Zealand.

Premier Sports has committed to broadcasting all eighteen matches of the men’s tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of England fixtures across the women’s and wheelchair competitions, plus the semi-finals and finals.

Highlighting the value of the partnership, IRL secretary general, Danny Kazandjian, said: “Premier Sports has had a strong partnership with international rugby league events for many years and has showcased some of the sport’s elite tournaments, none more so than the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.”

“IRL is really excited about renewing that relationship as we continue to develop our business, increasing the IF’s capacity to invest consistently and in a meaningful way in the global game.

“We have no doubt that Premier Sports’ customers will be enthralled by what promises to be one of the most competitive world cups in history,” Kazandjian said.

Noting how the broadcast network’s commitment to delivering premium coverage and expert analysis for fans across the region, CEO of Premier Sports, Richard Sweeney, added: “We are delighted to be bringing the Rugby League World Cup back to Premier Sports viewers, having previously broadcast the tournament in 2013 and 2017.”

“This is one of the major events in the international sporting calendar and we are looking forward to showing every match from the men’s tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of the IRL Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments.

“England’s opening match against Tonga promises to be a fascinating contest, and our full studio presentation around every England fixture will give supporters expert insight, analysis and reaction throughout the tournament.

“Premier Sports has a proud history with rugby league, from the 2013 and 2017 World Cups to our more recent coverage of the Rugby League Championship.

“We are excited to bring that experience and commitment to this tournament and to showcase the very best of the international game,” Sweeney noted. 

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