The Rugby Football League agreed to a five-year deal for the BBC "to continue televising the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup and highlights of the First Utility Super League" until '20, according to Christopher Irvine of the LONDON TIMES. As well as the final, matches in the sixth round, quarterfinals and semifinals "will be shown as part of the contract." The BBC "is known to be keen on shifting the competition back to the spring, but any move of the final to May or June is unlikely to be made before 2017." RFL CEO Nigel Wood said, "We have two first-class partners doing an excellent job of broadcasting rugby league in the U.K. In the BBC we have a broadcasting partner that delivers outstanding coverage and does an important job of showcasing our sport to millions of new, as well as existing, fans. We also have Sky Sports offering incredible coverage of the Super League until 2021" (LONDON TIMES, 9/1). BT SPORT reported the BBC "will also continue its coverage of the international game, including the 2016 Four Nations Series and the 2017 World Cup, which is being staged in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, while the new contract also ensures rugby league coverage continues on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra" (BT SPORT, 9/1). The new contract also ensures rugby league coverage continues on BBC Radio 5 live and Radio 5 live sports extra (BBC).
