BBC radio to continue coverage with new broadcast deal
Super League and the RFL have confirmed that BBC radio will continue its coverage of the sport following the agreement of a new two-year deal.
The renewed deal, which covers Super League as well as the men’s and women’s Challenge Cups, will see over 100 live games covered throughout the next two seasons. It begins with the opening game between St Helens and Catalans on Thursday 10 February.
This season marks the 27th consecutive year of Super League coverage on 5 Live, with the competition featuring on the broadcaster every season since its inception.
Bringing you live games each week throughout the season, the commentary team of Dave Woods, Matt Newsum and Sharon Shortle will be joined by current coaches and players as well as recently retired names from the game.
Continued coverage
The deal will also see a host of rugby league coverage across the BBC local radio network. Including BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio Leeds, BBC Radio Merseyside, BBC Radio Cumbria and BBC Radio Humberside.
Rhodri Jones, Super League chief commercial officer said: “It’s great to confirm the continuation of the BBC’s radio coverage for a further two years.”
“The coverage rugby league receives across both the national and regional BBC radio networks gives millions of fans access to great exposure for the best Rugby League games.”
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Mark Foster, RFL chief commercial officer said: “2022 is an exciting year for both the Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cups. With historic finals at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Elland Road respectively. We are delighted the BBC are already with us on the journey, with this renewal of their long-term radio coverage of the Challenge Cup.
“The BBC are valued partners of the RFL and the sport across their many platforms, including the local radio coverage of the Betfred Championship and League One which reflects the importance of clubs to their communities.”
Rozina Breen, Head of BBC North says: “I’m thrilled to see that BBC Local will continue with our in depth and world class coverage of Super League following this agreement of a new two-year deal. Super League delivers such endeavour, drama and brilliant sporting heroes and I know how valued it is among our communities. It’s a sport that has gone out of its way to be inclusive, to also focus on mental health and to care for whole of the Rugby League family.”
In addition to the live game coverage across the network, the weekly BBC Rugby League podcast returns in 2022 bringing fans the biggest stories from the biggest names in sport.
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