Magic Weekend set to see more fans as broadcast talks will decide its future

RUGBY league bosses hope to see an upturn for what could be Super League’s final Magic Weekend.

And SunSport understands what happens to the two-day showpiece will very much depend on the outcome of broadcasting negotiations.

All six top flight fixtures will be played at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on Saturday and Sunday.

It is now believed more tickets have been sold than at this point last year, with Leigh replacing French side Toulouse thought to have helped.

That points to a total attendance in the region of 65,000 – which would be a rise of about 2,900 on last year.

However, 2023’s trip north east may be the last after strategic partners IMG recommended it be axed in the belief the sport is ‘cannibalising’ itself with events.

Some clubs are keen for it to stay, particularly because of the TV exposure and giving the sport to a new audience outside the M62 heartlands.

However, it is thought the call will not be made until the next round of broadcasting contracts are agreed.

Sky are believed to lead the way, with Channel 4’s free-to-air deal also a priority for renewal, if not expansion from its current 10 games a year.

However, brands like Viaplay, which has Challenge Cup matches, plus DAZN and the soon-to-be renamed TNT Sports, who lost out in the EFL negotiations, have also been approached.

IF the desire is there and the total revenue – with three or even four packages in a desire to have every match broadcast by someone – comes in, Magic may be reprieved in a 23-game season.