Rugby League Commercial and Endeavor Streaming unveil SuperLeague+ platform
Rugby League Commercial (RLC), the organisation running the code in England, has teamed up with Endeavor Streaming to introduce a cutting-edge OTT platform focused on the premier Super League.
The launch of SuperLeague+ follows the collaboration established between RLC and IMG, the renowned sports marketing heavyweight, in mid-2022. Endeavor Streaming operates under the same overarching Endeavor banner as IMG.
SuperLeague+ will provide coverage for all 167 matches in the 2024 Super League season, featuring 12 teams, for international audiences. The action kicks off on February 15 with the season opener – a derby between Hull FC and Hull KR.
In the UK, customers will enjoy live coverage of 106 games on the service, while the remaining 61 will be available through delayed coverage and on-demand. Live coverage in the UK begins on February 16 with clashes between St Helens and London Broncos, as well as Leigh Leopards versus Huddersfield Giants.
Despite the recently announced domestic coverage deal with Sky Sports in mid-October, which grants Sky rights to broadcast every game in the 2024 competition, RLC retains the ability to distribute the league across various platforms – including free-to-air broadcasts and a dedicated streaming platform.
🤩 SuperLeague+ is here!
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) January 23, 2024
SuperLeague+ goes beyond match coverage, offering highlights, archive footage, sections dedicated to each of the twelve clubs, and original programming features.
Hosted on Endeavor Streaming’s end-to-end streaming solution, Vesper, SuperLeague+ will provide enhanced features like multi-view for fans, according to IMG.
Accessible online, via the SuperLeague+ mobile app, and on Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV, the service is priced at £129.99 for an annual pass, £19.99 for a monthly pass, or £6.99 for a single fixture.
“For the first time, Betfred Super League fans around the world can watch live coverage of their favourite teams from one destination,” explained Peter Bellamy, Endeavor Streaming’s chief commercial officer.
“With our world-class streaming technology and fan engagement expertise, we’re able to help the sport expand its international reach and connect directly with its global fanbase to drive even deeper engagement.”
Rhodri Jones, managing director of Rugby League Commercial, added:
“The launch of SuperLeague+ marks the start of a new era for the Super League and for UK rugby league.
“Thanks to the deal agreed with Sky Sports last year, all six matches in each of the 27 weekly rounds of the men’s Super League through the 2024 season – a total of 162 games – will be broadcast on a variety of platforms. Sky Sports will retain exclusive live coverage of two fixtures in each round and our new OTT platform, SuperLeague+, will offer live coverage of the remaining matches.
“This live coverage of more than 100 weekly-round fixtures will be augmented by on-demand, delayed coverage of Sky’s selections for fans in the British Isles. Meanwhile, SuperLeague+ will offer live coverage of all matches in every round for international subscribers.”
RLC, operational since January last year, formed in May 2022 as part of the commercial realignment and redevelopment of rugby league in England, with IMG playing an integral role.
Earlier this month, RLC and IMG announced a partnership with fantasy game developer Voono, unveiling plans for a free-to-play fantasy Super League game scheduled to go live early next month, just ahead of the 2024 campaign.
Rugby League Commercial and IMG have partnered with Voono to develop a fantasy game for the Super League.
Read more: https://t.co/x4b20ZYIjm#RugbyLeagueFantasy #SuperLeague #Voono #IMG
— Ministry of Sport (@ministryofsport) January 16, 2024
