IMG, the UK’s biggest indie, is opening a Leeds office after securing the contract to produce Channel 4’s Super League rugby coverage.
The city-centre base, sited within the offices of post firm Sticks and Glass, will focus exclusively on delivering the live coverage, which kicks off this month. IMG is hiring a team including creatives, production managers and talent support.
C4’s deal brings the league to free-to-air TV for the first time in its 26-year history and includes ten live matches, including two end-of-year playoff games, and highlights of the final for the next two years.
IMG employs more than 500 staff in the UK and delivers more than 7,000 hours of output from its London base. In 2020, its turnover from the UK was £97.6m, accounting for 15% of its global £636.6m revenues.
The company’s executive vice president and head of global production Barney Francis said that with Leeds being “right in the heartland of the rugby league world”, IMG will be well placed to tap into the production talent in the area.
He added: “Going forward, we can also see a number of long-term strategic advantages for IMG to have a base in the region.”
C4's coverage kicks off on 12 February with Leeds Rhinos’ home match against Warrington Wolves. The league was previously broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports, with the BBC showing some highlights.
