Sky have announced they will be broadcasting the Women's Super League final for the first time in the competition's history.

This will be the first time a women's rugby league fixture features on live television. It is also Sky’s first live broadcast of a domestic women’s rugby league fixture. 

The news marks a huge moment for women's rugby league competitions and shows the broadcaster's commitment to extending its coverage of women's sport. It follows Betfred's extension of its sponsorship for the Women's Super League until the end of the 2021 season.

The final is due to take place on 11 October at St Helens' Totally Wicked Stadium with the semifinals on 6 October. The equivalent men's final, the Super League Grand Final, will take place the day after on 12 October at Old Trafford.

Rugby Football League chief executive, Ralph Rimmer, said: We’re thrilled to make this announcement, and look forward to Sky Sports providing their usual outstanding coverage of one of the game’s newest events.

“Women’s Rugby League has made rapid strides in the last couple of years, and the development of the Women’s Super League, now sponsored by Betfred, has been at the forefront of that.

The quality of Rugby League on the pitch is attracting bigger crowds and greater media profile off it, and having the Grand Final live on Sky will be a perfect reflection of that – especially coming on the Friday night before the climax of the men’s Super League season at Old Trafford.”

Castleford, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, and Leeds Rhinos are the top four teams heading into the semifinals. The Warriors will be looking to defend the title they secured last year after beating The Rhinos in the final 18-16.