Rugby League Expansion Plans Hinge on Next Broadcast Deal
IMG’s Matt Dwyer has revealed that the expansion of Super League beyond its current 12-team format is contingent on the upcoming broadcast rights negotiations at the end of 2026.
Dwyer, the IMG supremo, acknowledged that while there has been a quicker than expected progression to more clubs achieving the highest “Grade A” status, any expansion would depend on the financial viability of the sport.
“There was always an asterisk surrounding the fact that if we get to 12 Category A clubs and we then look to expand: it’s only if the game can afford it,” Dwyer said.
The current Super League TV deal with Sky Sports is worth around £21.5 million per season, a significant decrease from recent years. Dwyer admitted that with less funding to distribute to clubs, the challenge of allowing more teams into the elite competition becomes more difficult.
“It’s well known we had a reduction in the broadcast fees so there’s less to spread around for the clubs,” he acknowledged. “We’re trying to ensure the clubs can operate but also trying to grow the sport.”
Despite the financial constraints, Dwyer expressed overall satisfaction with the progress of IMG’s partnership with rugby league. He stated that while he would like the pace of growth to be quicker, he is “happy with the direction we’re heading.”
Dwyer also took the opportunity to correct inaccurate reports regarding IMG’s financial involvement in the sport, stating that the company has received £450,000 to date for their work across three years, significantly less than the £1.3 million that had been previously reported.
The future expansion of Super League, therefore, appears to hinge on the outcome of the next broadcast rights negotiations, which are scheduled to take place at the end of 2026. Dwyer’s comments suggest that any potential increase in the number of teams will be contingent on securing a more lucrative TV deal to support the growth of the sport.
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