THE Rugby Football League and its commercial arm RL Commercial are celebrating a significant growth in viewing figures for this season’s Grand Final on Sky Sports.
The game between Hull KR and Wigan had an average audience of 455,000, with a peak of 530,000, achieving a 22% increase on last year’s Grand Final, which was also 40% up on the 2023 between Wigan and Catalans Dragons.
That followed record figures for the Hull KR v St Helens on BBC2 and Sky the previous weekend, which saw the best-ever viewing figures for a Super League play-off game in the 28 seasons since their introduction in 1998 – excluding Grand Finals.
RFL director Nigel Wood OBE congratulated Hull KR on their outstanding achievement in creating history on Saturday.
“Last night we witnessed history as Hull KR became only the fifth club to win the Betfred Super League in a pulsating final that encapsulated all that is great with British Rugby League,” said Wood.
“Commiserations to Wigan Warriors on the loss but we should not lose sight of the unbelievable work done by the club, Matty Peat and players in not only playing their part in the spectacle but also the huge on-field successes of the last three years.
“Anyone in attendance will have witnessed a world class event whilst those watching at home must have enjoyed a compelling physical drama that only Rugby League can deliver.
“Last night’s final was the culmination of the domestic season where we saw fantastic finals series across Men Women and Wheelchair Betfred Super League and Championships. Congratulations to Wigan Warriors, Halifax Panthers and Toulouse Olympique on their respective Grand Final successes.
“I cannot remember a better end to a season with drama across all levels. Crowds up, viewing figures up and digital engagement up. I am sure that growth will continue.
“Work starts now on the 2026 season when the sport will seek to grow even further and build upon the successes of clubs like Leigh Leopards and Wakefield Trinity, who have risen up from the Championship to compete in the upper echelons of the top tier, adding both to the on-field competition but providing a compelling off-field vision that has seen the 2025 season the best yet.
“Before then we turn our attention to the most eagerly awaited international series in a generation as we welcome our Australian friends for the Ashes. Nothing grabs the national mindset in sport more than England v Australia in any sport. It has been 22 years since the last series and with sellout crowds already at two venues and Wembley tickets selling well, I am sure fans will create an atmosphere only British fans can create to help Shaun Wane and the team as they seek a first series win in 55 years. If you haven’t got a ticket yet, then I would urge you to get to Wembley and assist in the creation of a new dawn for British Rugby League.
“I close by thanking all our Broadcast and Commercial partners for their continued support. We have long standing and successful associations with so many and we will continue to nurture those friendships as always.”