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Gallagher PREM TV figures rocket after record-breaking derby weekend
By Jon Newcombe
Three rounds in, TNT Sports’ viewing figures for the Gallagher PREM have shown a 29% year-on-year increase compared to the same stage of last season’s competition.
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Records for Round 2 and Round 3 (Derby Weekend) were broken, with the combined peak audience across the five games believed to be close to a million viewers.
According to BARB, Leicester’s comeback win against Harlequins was the most-watched game on TNT Sports in Round 2 (198,000).
Derby Weekend pulled in 42% more viewers than last year, when it was staged a round later. The figures for Northampton vs Leicester and Bath vs Gloucester will do little to settle the debate about which is the biggest derby, as they are virtually identical (161,000 as opposed to 160,000).
Meanwhile, the number of Gallagher PREM subscribers to Discovery+ has increased by 23%.
In-stadium attendances are also growing, with 30,000 more fans attending PREM fixtures compared to the opening three rounds of the 2024/25 campaign.
Seven of the 15 fixtures achieved a sell-out – up from three last season – including Newcastle Red Bulls’ first capacity crowd at Kingston Park since 2018. However, a half-empty CorpAcq Stadium for Sale Sharks’ first two home games was a less favourable look for the league.
PREM Rugby also report season ticket sales are on the ascent, a 4% uplift on last season’s tally.
“This has been a phenomenal start to the season, reflecting the incredible buzz around the Gallagher PREM both on and off the pitch,” said Rob Calder, Chief Growth Officer at PREM Rugby.
“Huge growth in viewing figures, more sell-outs and increasing digital engagement all point to a league that’s connecting with fans like never before.
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“We are also delighted to see a new generation of younger supporters also embracing the league’s intensity, authenticity and entertainment value through our revitalised content offering.
“And tickets to the Gallagher PREM Final 2025 are also flying, with more than 30% of seats to the season finale now sold – almost double last season’s total at this stage.”