Sky has agreed a record deal that may exceed £90m to maintain its position as the Super League's primary broadcast partner until 2016. The news will be welcomed by the clubs as it represents an increase on the funding they have received under the deal that expires at the end of this season and provides greater financial stability than they have enjoyed in the past.
There is unlikely to be any formal announcement until next month because various other details surrounding the coverage of international matches, the Challenge Cup and the Championship have to be finalised. But the 14 Super League clubs have been briefed about the agreement, which is the second to have been secured since the Rugby Football League appointed IMG Sports Media as agents for television contract negotiations.
The RFL refused to confirm that a deal has been done but a spokesman said: "We are happy with the way negotiations are going with broadcasters and we hope they are drawing towards a conclusion."
The slight increase in funding will come as a relief and possibly even a pleasant surprise to some of the clubs, who had been worried by recent indications of the state of the market, notably the 26% reduction in the value of the latest Football League contract with Sky that was announced in April.
