Rugby League Commercial, which manages the commercial business of the UK’s Super League competition, has announced the long-term extension of its partnership with sporting goods manufacturer Steeden.
Steeden will supply match balls to all fixtures in the men’s, women’s, and wheelchair Super League competitions, as well as across the lower levels of the Rugby League pyramid.
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The new five-year deal, which will begin in 2026 and run through the 2030 campaign, extends a partnership that began in 2019.
Steeden director Nick Gray added: “Steeden is deeply committed to Rugby League, and this continued partnership allows us to provide the sport with top quality balls.
“We aim to strengthen Rugby League’s footprint, with Steeden’s expertise and commitment to excellence playing a vital role in shaping the future of the sport.”
Steeden is also the ball manufacturer for Australia’s elite National Rugby League, which is reported to be currently in the process of negotiating the acquisition of a stake in the Super League.
the NRL is only willing to consider such investment if it gains “complete administrative control” of the competition from 2028, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Talks of NRL investment in the Super League have been ramping up in recent weeks amidst major changes at the Rugby Football League (RFL) governing body and more financial difficulties for the game in England.
The NRL’s condition of gaining full administrative control would be a monumental change, breaking the cycle of English rugby league’s major decisions being made by its clubs.
However, the potential change is arguably needed, with the NRL believing it would help it grow the game internationally.
It is understood that two key Super League team owners are behind this move, with Wigan Warriors’ Mike Danson and Warrington Wolves’ Simon Moran recently meeting with NRL officials in Las Vegas in a “secret meeting”, according to the Herald.
Danson and Moran are reportedly speaking to rival Super League clubs before putting together a proposal to those Down Under with Australian Rugby League Commision chief Peter V’landys.
The Warriors and Wolves faced off in Super League’s first-ever game in Las Vegas last month as part of the NRL’s showcase in the US city.
2025 will also see the return of the Rugby League Ashes Series between England and Australia, with Steeden to provide the balls for that also.
