RFL and BBC agree new Challenge Cup broadcast deal

The RFL and BBC have confirmed that they have agreed a deal which will see the broadcaster transmit coverage of the Challenge Cup until at least 2020.

The deal also includes the rights to broadcast highlights of Super League matches too.

The BBC willl broadcast the final live until 2020, and matches from the sixth round, quarter-finals and semi-finals will also be broadcast live.

Radio coverage on BBC Radio 5Live will also continue.

“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,” saidRFL chief executive Nigel Wood.

“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.”

BBC director of sport, Barbara Slater was delighted that the ‘Beeb’ would continue to broadcast rugby league coverage.

“We’re delighted to renew our contract with the RFL and our commitment to this most prestigious of competitions,” she said.

“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.”