The BBC have been showing live coverage of the Rugby League for the last three seasons
The Super League Grand final between Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity was shown live on the BBC. (Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images)
Rugby League fans have hit back at reports that the BBC will not be showing live games next season. The broadcaster has shared the rights for live coverage with Sky Sports over the last three seasons.
The deal saw the BBC show around 10 live fee-to-air Super League games as well as the Challenge Cup. Saturday afternoon saw them show the Super League Grand Final, where Wakefield Trinity beat Warrington Wolves 23-10.
But there are now reports that the coverage is set to end. The Daily Mail reports that the rights will instead be split between Sky and DAZN, both of which require subscriptions, although the BBC insists that no final decision has been made.
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Nonetheless, news of the potential reduction in the sport’s coverage has sparked discontent amongst supporters on social media. “That would be a real shame,” one said.
“Maybe ITV would be interested or Channel 4.”
A second said: “Explore C4 taking over coverage.”
A third added: “I still haven’t forgiven the BBC for ruining Doctor Who & Top Gear and cancelling Robot Wars (twice! ). I love The Traitors, but if they bin off Rugby League, it’s going to be very difficult to justify paying for that TV licence (subscription! ).
“Really worrying report here that BBC cutbacks are threatening Rugby League coverage,” a fourth said. “Even a suggestion that Challenge Cup coverage is under threat.”
A fifth added: “Time for all RL fans to cancel their licence.”
A sixth then simply said in jest: “Quick! Buy a TV license.”
The report emerges following suggestions that the BBC was considering a cost-cutting measure which would end local radio commentaries for away fixtures of Premier League and EFL matches. The proposal once again prompted criticism from supporters, many of whom depend on the local coverage to keep up with their teams.
The BBC has since confirmed that it has taken the decision and is ‘not making any changes to home or away Premiership or EFL commentaries’.
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