SUPER LEAGUE clubs are almost certain to agree early this week to accept a new three-year broadcasting contract being offered by Sky Sports.

The contract will specify that Sky will broadcast three games from every round of Super League, while RL Commercial will be able to offer the other four matches to alternative broadcasters.

It is likely that the financial offer from Sky will be roughly equivalent to its current deal, whereby it pays £21.5 million per annum, but retains the rights to broadcast all seven Super League matches.

In practice during the 2026 season that has meant that two games have been screened on the main sports channels (usually Sky Sports Action or Sky Sports Plus), while the others have been behind the red button, with viewers unable to record them for later viewing.

Those game could now be picked up by a new broadcaster, who would be more likely to broadcast matches as standalone events capable of being recorded.

The disadvantage for supporters, however, is that it would involve paying to more than one subscription channel in order to view all the Super League games.

League Express understands that a firm bid has been received from Premier Sports, while streaming giant DAZN is also thought to be still in the running.

Premier Sports, who will broadcast this autumn’s World Cup, are thought to have offered in excess of £2 million per  year for the rights, but some owners believe that unlesss that offer can be substantially improved they should take control of their own broadcasting rights.

The clubs held a meeting last Thursday to discuss their options and League Express understands that the majority opinion appears to be for RL Commercial to broadcast the games themselves on SL+ in order to boost subscriptions to the app.

That would also give rise to the possibility of magazine-style discussion programmes also being included on the app.

The clubs will also want to investigate a free-to-air element for some of the Sky games, with the BBC having had that contract in recent years.

Meanwhile there is still no prospect of a potential partnership between the NRL and the RFL coming to early fruition.

League Express understands that NRL Chairman Peter V’landys has been invited to the UK to discuss alternative proposals but as yet no firm date has been set.