News Sky Italia Extends URC Partnership to 2029 as Italian Audiences Continue to Grow 4 min read | 21 Sep 2026 The United Rugby Championship and Sky Italia have extended their broadcast partnership for another three seasons, taking their relationship through to 2029 as audiences for the competition continue to grow in Italy. Since becoming the live home of the URC in Italy in 2023, Sky Italia has seen audiences for the Championship double, while digital video views for the league in Italy increased by 17% over the past year. The new agreement with the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) and the URC means Sky Italia will continue to bring fans every game involving Benetton Rugby and Zebre Parma, alongside coverage of the wider Championship, and will take the partnership to at least six consecutive seasons. Martin Anayi, CEO of United Rugby Championship, said : “Sky Italia has been a brilliant supporter of Italian rugby and this new three-year commitment is another major vote of confidence in the growth of the URC. Since the partnership began, audiences for the Championship on Sky Italia have doubled and we are seeing further growth across our digital platforms in Italy. That momentum matters. “Benetton and Zebre Parma are competing in a league filled with some of the biggest clubs and best players in the world, and Italian rugby has a huge opportunity in front of it. Having Sky Italia alongside us for another three seasons gives fans a consistent home for that journey and ensures they will be there to capture the big moments as they happen.” Andrea Duodo, President of the Italian Rugby Federation, said : “The United Rugby Championship is one of the most exciting club and franchise competitions on the international scene. It is the proving ground where our Franchises compete every week at the highest possible level. For over 15 years, the URC has played a central role in the development of our high-performance players, contributing to the growth of our National Team. “The three-year renewal with Sky Italia allows us to bring this fascinating competition, and many of the most talented athletes on the global stage, into the homes of our fans, confirming the shared commitment of FIR and Sky Italia to promoting rugby and the emotions that our sport brings.” Giuseppe De Bellis, EVP News, Sports & Entertainment, Sky Italia : “We are delighted to continue bringing one of the most prestigious tournaments in international rugby to the Home of Sport. Sky further strengthens its position as a leading destination for rugby fans, with a comprehensive offering that also includes the Nations Championship and the WXV Global Series featuring the Italian Women’s National Team. “This agreement reinforces our partnership with the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR) in supporting the growth of the sport, building on the momentum generated by Italy’s historic victory over England in the most recent Six Nations Championship. As always, Sky Sport will deliver extensive editorial coverage, with compelling storytelling designed to ignite the passion of existing fans while engaging new audiences discovering this great sport for the first time.” With the new URC season just days away, Sky Italia will begin its coverage when Benetton Rugby welcome Dragons RFC to Stadio Monigo in Treviso on Friday night (KO 19:45 UK / 20:45 ITA). The following day, Zebre Parma begin their campaign against last season’s Grand Final runners-up, the Vodacom Bulls, as the South African side open their European tour. Related News EARLY TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT TRIAL FOR 2026/27 News THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER… Rugby is tough. It’s relentless. And it brings people together like nothing else. That’s why… Fantasy Fantasy URC is LIVE: Your Guide to the 2026/27 Season Rugby is tough. It’s relentless. And it brings people together like nothing else. That’s why… Transfer 2026/27 Transfers: URC Ins & Outs News Adjustments to 2026/27 BKT United Rugby Championship Fixture & Broadcast for Rounds 2, 4, 6, 15 News Rugby’s oldest derby: 1872 Cup tickets on sale now! View All Articles
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: www.unitedrugby.com