Challenge Cup To Stay On BBC Until 2016
The BBC has agreed a new contract to remain as the principal broadcaster for rugby league’s Challenge Cup for the next five years, in a deal that will see the final of the knockout competition televised live on BBC One until 2016, as well as fourth and fifth-round games, quarter-finals and semis.
RFL chairman Richard Lewis told BBC Sport: ‘The visibility and profile afforded by the sport’s presence on the BBC and the BBC iPlayer is hugely important.’
‘We look forward to working with the BBC as they showcase all the excitement and drama from the Carnegie Challenge Cup and Stobart Super League.’
‘The Challenge Cup has a rich heritage and I am delighted that the competition’s long association with the BBC is to continue.’
The 2011 final between Wigan and Leeds – which the Warriors’ won 28-18 – was watched by an average TV audience of 1.61m people, a 19% increase on the year before.
Viewing figures for the new-look BBC Super League Show, which has been screened nationally on BBC Two in regular slots throughout 2012, are also more than double what they were in 2011.
BBC director of sport Barbara Slater added: ‘The BBC has been the proud broadcast partner of the Challenge Cup for over half a century, so we’re delighted to be continuing our long and successful relationship with the RFL.’
‘Rugby League forms a key part of the BBC’s rights portfolio and through our new four-year deal we’re looking forward to ensuring this prestigious and fiercely contested tournament reaches an ever-growing audience.’
