18 Jun 2026

Super League set for one million fans in 100 games

Betfred Super League is set to welcome its one millionth fan of the 2026 season this weekend, becoming only the third time in the competition’s long history it has reached the milestone within its first 100 matches.

The achievement follows a record-breaking start to the campaign, with?973,725 fans attending the opening 97 fixtures of the season – the highest attendance ever recorded after 14 rounds of a Super League campaign.?

Ahead of tonight’s top-of-the-table clash between Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos, the figure continues the momentum generated by an historic 2025 season and underlines rugby league’s growing appeal as a live sporting experience.

Reaching one million fans within the first 100 matches two years running demonstrates the competition’s sustained growth and clubs’ collective efforts to attract new and returning supporters through compelling matchday experiences, fierce rivalries and high-quality on-field action.

Super League’s growth in 2026 extends far beyond attendances, with fans engaging with the competition in record numbers across digital and owned platforms.

Supporters have generated 5.5m social media engagements during the opening 14 rounds, an increase of 17% compared to the same stage last year. Super League video content consumption has accelerated significantly, generating more than 201m video views, up 63% year-on-year, while the competition's social channels have added 106,000 new followers – a 19% increase on last season.

The sport's growing digital audience is also reflected on YouTube, where Super League content has attracted 6.5 million views, an increase of 80% on the same period in 2025, while watch time has more than doubled to 382,000 hours (+107%).

Fan engagement across Super League's owned platforms has also continued to grow. Our League has recorded 1.4m sessions so far in 2026, representing a 14% increase year-on-year, while participation in fan gaming products has surged, with Fantasy League generating 600,000 sessions (+42%) and Predictor attracting 227,000 sessions (+55%).

Together, the attendance and digital engagement figures highlight the continued growth of Super League audiences, with more supporters than ever before attending matches, consuming content and engaging with the competition throughout the season.

Rhodri Jones, Rugby League Commercial Managing Director, said: "To reach one million fans in our first 100 matches for the second year running – the other time was back in 2008 - is a significant achievement for Super League and our clubs.

"What's particularly encouraging is that this isn't a one-off success. Back-to-back years of reaching this milestone at record pace demonstrates the strength of the competition and the growing appetite for rugby league as a live sporting experience.

"The fact that we have recorded the highest attendance figure in Super League history after 14 rounds is a testament to the hard work being undertaken by clubs across the competition, as well as the quality, intensity and unpredictability of the action on the field.

"We're also seeing that momentum reflected across our digital channels, content platforms and fan engagement products. Record levels of video consumption, social engagement and participation show that supporters are connecting with Super League in more ways than ever before.

"Together, those figures paint a really positive picture of a competition that continues to build momentum both inside stadiums and beyond matchdays.

"With plenty of twists and turns still to come in the race for the Play-Offs and Grand Final, we are grateful to every supporter who has attended, watched and engaged with Super League so far this season, and we look forward to welcoming many more in the months ahead."