Super League expansion may put vital partnership with Sky Sports in jeopardy

The article discusses the potential impact of Super League's expansion plans on its long-standing partnership with Sky Sports, the sport's primary broadcast partner. Key points: - Super League plans to expand to 14 teams next season, but this has not been endorsed by Sky Sports yet. - The additional cost of televising two extra matches per round (around £500,000) is a concern for Sky, which is reluctant to increase its rights fees. - Sky's current 3-year deal, worth £21.5 million annually, is significantly less than previous deals and lower than the broadcaster's investments in other sports. - Super League's reliance on Sky's financial backing is a major concern, as there is limited interest from other broadcasters. - The expansion plan could also affect future broadcast negotiations, with the Australian NRL reportedly seeing a 14-team Super League as undesirable for potential investment. - The funding of the two new teams remains unresolved, with clubs unwilling to accept a cut in their central payments from Sky.