BBC To Show Challenge Cup Until 2020

31 Aug 2015 | tshego

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The BBC will televise the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, as well as highlights of the First Utility Super League, after agreeing a new deal with the Rugby Football League through until 2020.

The broadcaster will now continue to show the final live on the BBC, as well as matches in the sixth round, quarterfinals and semifinals.

The announcement comes just days after Leeds Rhinos beat Hull Kingston Rovers by a record 50-0 to win this year’s Challenge Cup at Wembley. The game attracted a crowd of 80,140 to Wembley Stadium, the highest attendance since 2010.

Speaking after the final, RFL chief executive Nigel Wood said: “The Challenge Cup has a rich heritage and I am delighted that we have agreed a deal with the BBC that ensures one of the major national sporting events of the year will continue to be watched by millions of fans across the country. We are a sport that is enjoyed by a wide range of people from across the UK and we want to ensure that as many of them as possible enjoy watching it.”

The new contract also ensures rugby league coverage continues on BBC Radio 5 live and Radio 5 live sports extra.

BBC director of sport, Barbara Slater added: “We’re delighted to renew our contract with the RFL and our commitment to this most prestigious of competitions. Rugby League is much loved by our audiences and a key part of our output, with our coverage of the Challenge Cup, the Super League, live radio commentaries and extensive online coverage combining to showcase the sport to the widest possible audiences. In addition the BBC brings live International action, with forthcoming coverage of the Autumn tests, the 2016 Four Nations and the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.”

Tickets for the 2016 Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final go on sale today.