BWSL returns this weekend - with two matches televised

With Wigan Warriors and St Helens preparing for the third Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley next month, attention switches this weekend to the launch of the eighth Betfred Women’s Super League season.

And the campaign will kick off with live coverage of two matches, with The Sportsman confirming their cameras will be at Saturday afternoon’s clash of the competition’s traditional heavyweights at the Totally Wicked Stadium, where St Helens host Leeds Rhinos (kick-off 2pm).

That will follow Friday night’s blockbuster between Wigan and York Valkyrie, which will be shown live on Sky Sports (530pm kick-off) as the first part of a double header at The Brick Community Stadium – followed by Matt Peet’s Warriors hosting Leigh Leopards.

The other two Round Two fixtures are both on Sunday kicking off at midday, with newly-promoted Leigh hosting Barrow Raiders at the Leigh Sports Village, and Huddersfield Giants travelling to face Warrington Wolves.

Tom Brindle, the BWSL General Manager, said:

“After two Challenge Cup Semi Finals live on BBC Sport at the weekend, producing a first Wigan versus St Helens Final at the new Wembley, it’s exciting to start the BWSL season with another two live matches on Sky Sports and The Sportsman.

“There’s a real fresh feel to all the teams this season, including a new team in Leigh Leopards – and it’s great that they will be kicking off at the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday, against a Barrow Raiders team who set such a good example in 2024 in terms of competing in their debut season in the BWSL.”

As last season, the eight clubs will play 14 home and away rounds, with the top four qualifying for Semi Finals – and the 2025 BWSL Grand Final scheduled for Sunday October 5, and to be played at the home ground of the highest-ranked club.

BWSL Round 1 fixtures:

Friday May 16 – Wigan Warriors v York Valkyrie (530pm, The Brick Community Stadium, live on Sky Sports)

Saturday May 17 – St Helens v Leeds Rhinos (2pm, Totally Wicked Stadium, live on The Sportsman)

Sunday May 18 – Leigh Leopards v Barrow Raiders, Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants (both midday)