Lisa Nandy urges deal to keep Rugby League World Cup on free-to-air TV in UK

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is calling on Rugby League World Cup organizers to reach an agreement to keep the event on free-to-air television in the UK. Premier Sports has secured exclusive broadcasting rights for this autumn's tournaments in Australia, including the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair World Cups. This marks a departure from the previous years, where the BBC, known for its strong relationship with the sport, aired games from Super League and the Challenge Cup, as well as last year’s Ashes series.

Nandy, representing Wigan, expressed her disappointment that fans will be unable to watch the upcoming World Cup on free-to-air television. "Rugby league is a source of pride and identity that brings communities together across the country," she stated. "As a fan myself, I wholeheartedly share fans’ disappointment that the upcoming World Cup will not be on free-to-air television."

Nandy urged the International Rugby League to collaborate with UK free-to-air broadcasters to ensure that millions of fans can follow the tournament. The 2021 tournament, held in England, was fully broadcasted by the BBC, with all 61 matches shown. However, a planned joint World Cup event in France for 2025 was postponed after the organizers withdrew. Australia has since taken on the role of host, with some matches taking place in Papua New Guinea and Christchurch, New Zealand.