Multi Channel Network (MCN) today announced the signing of over 20 partnerships for FOX SPORTS’ new dedicated 24/7 Rugby League channel, FOX LEAGUE.

FOX SPORTS Channel, 502 will become FOX LEAGUE today with all the shows firing up from 27 February, before Round One of the season kicks off on 2 March. The new channel allows audiences to experience every game, every round live, all guided by the best commentary team in the business on their very own channel, which never switches off.

Thanks to the variety of opportunities available with the 24/7 FOX LEAGUE channel, MCN can connect brands at any level with the NRL audience – from primary spot packages to small and large scale integration.

MCN has secured a series of key brands for the code’s new partner naming rights for the 2017 season including; Schick Hydro for Thursday night, Bundaberg Rum for Super Saturday, and KFC on Sunday.

Other key partners include: Mazda, Gillette, Hino Australia, TAB, Ultra Tune, BET365, Isuzu Utes; plus long-term broadcast partners Bunnings and Harvey Norman.

FOX SPORTS CEO, Patrick Delany, said: “The launch of ‘every game live’ for the 2016 NRL premiership on FOX SPORTS was exceptionally well received by fans last year. Ratings were up double digits year-on-year and the content drove FOX SPORTS’ brand score to record levels. Fans engaged with our League coverage like never before.

“In 2017 the launch of FOX LEAGUE, with all its new shows and the freshest sports team on TV, will take that offering to a whole new level. There is something for everyone – the fanatic, fan or follower. We have experience in creating single sport media platforms with X Factor to drive engagement across TV, web and apps which will make FOX LEAGUE truly stand-out as something new and fresh in Australia. Fans will love FOX LEAGUE and the ability to immerse themselves in everything that comes with it, making it a unique opportunity for advertisers and sponsors.”

MCN national sports sales director, Martin Medcraf, said the channel launch was a landmark moment for the game and as such, it’s no surprise they’ve seen huge appetite from advertisers already.

“Live sport continues to be attractive to brands looking to align with live, premium, engaging content,” he said. “Therefore, in much the same way advertisers were excited for the launch of the AFL FOX FOOTY channel in 2012, they are excited about the new partnerships available with FOX LEAGUE and its premium broadcast and digital NRL content on foxsports.com.au.

“This channel is yet another example of how FOX SPORTS’ is innovating sports broadcasting, providing the market with extensive cross-platform and LIVE NRL offerings, plus most importantly, delivering high performance partnership opportunities with deeper and richer integration than ever before. Combine this with the hugely successful year in 2016 with live FOX SPORTS NRL ratings up 15 per cent and it’s undoubtedly a great time to be a part of the game.

“We’re thrilled to have the support of our partners join us in this new era of FOX SPORTS NRL coverage, and look forward to continuing our proud history of creating client partnerships that deliver commercial outcomes for brands with this channel in 2017.”