Rugby League has signed a new four-year broadcasting agreement with the BBC.
The new package, which guarantees Rugby League’s presence on terrestrial television until 2007, not only delivers re-vamped coverage of the Powergen Challenge Cup but also adds a brand new element – nationally screened highlights of the elite Tetley’s Super League.
The new deal starts immediately and, together with the recently announced Sky contract, means that Rugby League has negotiated an increase of 15 per cent across all television agreements.
Richard Lewis, Executive Chairman of the Rugby Football League, said: ‘We’re delighted to have reached agreement with the BBC because that ensures the sport will continue to enjoy a significant presence on terrestrial television added to which the new elements that we have been able to introduce to the deal will provide a fresh impetus to the Powergen Challenge Cup competition.
‘The BBC have proved to be consistent supporters of Rugby League over many years and it’s encouraging that the new deal includes a fresh approach from them to the sport that will deliver more coverage of Rugby League on a national basis as well as raising the sport’s profile through the BBC’s programme promotional packages. This is fantastic news for the sport added to which we also have the added exposure provided by BBC Radio Five Live, the local radio network and the BBC On Line.’
‘This new agreement with the BBC is tremendous news for both the Powergen Challenge Cup and Tetley’s Rugby Super League.
‘It is the first time the game’s flagship competition has received regular national terrestrial television exposure and this was one of the key objectives stated by the clubs at the start of the negotiating process. The BBC coverage gives us an additional platform to continue increasing the interest in Tetley’s Super League and the sport as a whole.
‘The Tetley’s Super League play-offs and Grand Final are well established as a major part of the British sporting calendar and this agreement means that more and more people will be able enjoy this fantastic spectacle and excitement’.
As part of the new arrangements with the BBC the Powergen Challenge Cup Final will be repositioned in the Rugby League calendar starting from the 2005 Final at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium in August.
Richard Lewis added: ‘We believe that the realignment of the fixture will produce a Rugby League season that is well balanced with a series of very high profile events from August onwards’.
For more details contact:
The Media Department of the Rugby Football League
Tel: 0113 244 1114. Fax: 0113 244 1110.
E-mail either John.Huxley@rfl.uk.com
Andreww@superleague.co.uk