Inside Super League’s new TV deal, including extra games on free-to-air

EXTRA Super League matches are set to be broadcast on free-to-air TV, even though Sky can show every one.

The new £23 million contract will see all top flight games shown in some way, with video referees at all six every week and fewer on hated Thursday nights.

But SunSport understands 12-15 will be screened on a terrestrial option, more than the 10 Channel 4 currently get.

It is likely they will all stay on that network, with the hope they will put in some money as a result of getting extra.

However, the BBC – which currently has the contract for the Challenge Cup and England’s forthcoming Test series with Tonga - and Channel 5 have also been sounded out.

Sky will still get first choice of two matches a week, with Friday night and Saturday afternoon or Sunday evening set to be the popular options.

Channel 4 - and any other free-to-air broadcaster - will then get their pick, with the rest streamed through the Rugby Football League’s Our League platform or Sky’s online services on a pay per view basis as a result of having more cameras at grounds.

That will see money kept in the cash-strapped sport, which has seen a number of League One clubs withdraw.

SunSport understands discussions are already taking place over people being able to buy a season pass, for every match, a club season pass – allowing them to watch their team’s games, and how to price a game-by-game approach.

Home clubs will then get the largest share of takings, making up any shortfall from supporters not paying at the gate.

Matches at Grand Finalists Catalans will be shown, meaning people will not have to pay for flights and accommodation to head to Perpignan.

However, it is felt those who would have gone – with some clubs taking more than 1,000 fans - will still go anyway.

And it is believed rugby league bosses hope to agree a deal with French media giant L’Equipe that would see every Dragons match broadcast on the other side of the Channel.