The 2025 Betfred Super League season has seen record-breaking attendances and a growing broadcast audience, laying a strong foundation as the playoffs begin this week.
More than 1.62 million fans attended matches this season, with the average crowd exceeding 10,000 per game for the first time in the 12-team era.
Super League commercial director Rhodri Jones said: “This has been a landmark season.
"To achieve record attendances shows the appetite that exists for top-level rugby league.”
The season has not been without controversy, however.
Salford Red Devils have faced several issues this year, both on and off the pitch, raising questions about the club’s stability and governance.
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Most recently, the club was penalised points and fined for financial and regulatory breaches, a sanction designed to ensure compliance with league rules and protect competition integrity.
Meanwhile, the league’s planned expansion to 14 teams has prompted concerns that Sky Sports could restructure or reduce its broadcast funding, as the existing deal was negotiated for a 12-club competition.
Despite these issues, optimism remains high.
Hull KR claimed the League Leaders’ Shield and will join Wigan Warriors in the semi-finals, while Leigh Leopards, Leeds Rhinos, St Helens and Wakefield Trinity compete in this weekend’s Eliminators.
The expanded schedule is expected to feature more fixtures and offer greater engagement opportunities for fans across the country.
Television and digital audiences also highlighted the league’s increasing popularity.
Average Sky Sports and BBC viewership increased by more than 50 per cent compared with 2024, while social media impressions surpassed 300 million.
Records broken across a huge @Betfred #SuperLeague regular season 👏
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) September 22, 2025
Time for the Play-Offs 🔜 pic.twitter.com/zt8Vj9ZPJE
These figures suggest that fan engagement is not only steady but also growing, strengthening confidence in the league’s expansion plans.
With the Grand Final scheduled for October 11 at Old Trafford, the Super League enters its most thrilling phase.
Clubs, fans and league officials alike are preparing for a compelling conclusion to a season marked by historic attendances, fierce on-field competition, and rising broadcast audiences.
Even amid challenges such as club sanctions and funding uncertainties, the league’s momentum remains robust, offering optimism for the future of rugby league in the UK.
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