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The 2026 Rugby League World Cup will not be on free-to-air television, with a TV deal now confirmed two months before the tournament begins. Premier Sports have secured exclusive broadcast rights for the UK and Ireland, meaning that fans will need to pay a subscription in order to watch England, Australia and more compete in the sport’s biggest competition. The broadcaster will broadcast all 18 matches of the Men’s World Cup, as well as all of England’s matches in the Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments The semi-finals and finals of both those competitions will also be broadcast, whilst Premier Sports are looking at the possibility of broadcasting more matches, depending on schedule commitments. The broadcaster has a strong association with the Rugby League World Cup, having previously broadcast the 2013 and 2017 instalments, the latter of which was staged in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. This year’s competition will kick off on October 15, with Australia taking on New Zealand in the opening Pool A game, before England’s first game comes two days later, when they take on Tonga in Perth. NRL lowball Super League, Hull FC’s gargantuan signing, and new title favourites – Click here to watch this week’s episode of the Serious About Rugby League Show UK finally lands broadcaster for Rugby League World Cup Commenting on the deal, Premier Sports CEO Richard Sweeney said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Rugby League World Cup back to Premier Sports viewers, having previously broadcast the tournament in 2013 and 2017. “This is one of the major events in the international sporting calendar, and we are looking forward to showing every match from the men’s tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of the IRL Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments. “England’s opening match against Tonga promises to be a fascinating contest, and our full studio presentation around every England fixture will give supporters expert insight, analysis and reaction throughout the tournament. “Premier Sports has a proud history with rugby league, from the 2013 and 2017 World Cups to our more recent coverage of the Rugby League Championship. We are excited to bring that experience and commitment to this tournament and to showcase the very best of the international game.” 1 Comment - How much money is that going to be? Who thinks we have endlessly deep pockets for yet another subscription, to another channel, of which you watch maybe 5% of their output, committed to a 12 or 24 month deal for 18 matches? Found this: Premier Sports in the UK costs £12.99 per month on a 12-month contract, £17.99 per month on a rolling monthly contract, or £130 for an upfront annual subscriptionSo, £17.99 as it runs 31 days, but you might have to miss the first day if their terms run 30 days. Some os us are on a tight budget. Sky Sports was a luxury too far. Won’t be bothering. Letter to the BBC is a waste of time, their position is plain, they prefer the utter shite of union. Sky have enough of the market now not to need rugby league to prop up their business model. Semi professional rugby league inside 18 months, there is not enough money in the sport. Owners can’t fund it all. Nor should they.