RUGBY league’s World Cup may still be shown on free-to-air TV – if England reaches the final.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy slammed the decision to award the broadcasting rights to Premier Sports, who require a further subscription to watch.
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The channel has still not responded to SunSport’s queries about how it will present the 10-team competition, which takes place Down Under.
But it has been established that should Brian McDermott’s men reach the Brisbane showpiece on November 15, the game may also be screened on terrestrial TV because of a “contract carve out.”
That would placate many rugby league fans, including Wigan MP Ms Nandy, who hit out at the decision by International Rugby League (IRL).
She said: “Rugby league is a source of pride and identity that brings communities together across the country.
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“As a fan myself, I wholeheartedly share fans’ disappointment that the upcoming World Cup will not be on free-to-air television.
“I urge the International Rugby League to work with UK free-to-air broadcasters, so millions of fans can follow the tournament.”
Much of the coverage of the 18 matches will see Premier simply take the feed from Australia’s Channel 7, which is showing the World Cup in that part of the world.
However, Premier will have studio presentations for England’s group matches against Tonga, France and Papua New Guinea and the women’s ties with Wales, Australia and Samoa.
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Although it is not yet known whether that will be from Australia or at their Dublin base.
The decision to go with Premier, after 2022’s tournament – which saw England win the wheelchair version – was a hit on the BBC, has been slammed by many.
However, it is believed the Beeb was not interested this time around after IRL’s media rights partner IMG approached ‘every potential broadcaster’ – with several being keen.
And it was Premier that offered the best financial package, which has enabled IRL to surpass its forecast broadcast revenue target.
Danny Kazandjian, IRL’s global operations manager, told SunSport: “I can appreciate fans’ disappointment that the World Cup won’t be on FTA this year, but IRL’s obligation is to its 50-plus members and the development of the global game.
“To service our members and invest in rugby league development, it needs to raise commercial revenue and build up the value of the World Cup media rights over successive editions.
“The broadcast deals we’ve agreed so far are vital to IRL being able to carry out its fundamental duty to global growth and we’re really pleased to be partnering with Premier Sports.”