The broadcast games for Round Four of the Challenge Cup have been confirmed with two ties selected for streaming.
Round Four games will be played on the weekend of February 24th and 25th with two games to be streamed live on Sunday 25th.
The games in question are Bradford Bulls hosting Widnes Vikings whilst Swinton Lions take on Oldham later in the day.
Both matches will be streamed with the all-Championship clash between Bradford and Widnes to be shown on BBC iPlayer, whereas Swinton and Oldham will be streamed on the Sportsman YouTube channel in the evening.
Kick-off times for the games are 12:30 pm and 6:00 pm with both expected to receive a significant audience share following the successes of both platforms so far in this Challenge Cup campaign.
Challenge Cup broadcast numbers soaring
BBC iPlayer’s coverage of the Challenge Cup has seen a huge boost in viewers. – Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com – Copyright: x xSWpix.comxt/axPhotographyxHubxLtdxAllanxMcKenzie/SWpix.comx SWP-2062-0004
The news of the two broadcast games for Round Four of the Challenge Cup was confirmed by the RFL and the sport’s governing body also provided an update on the impressive viewing numbers so far across the competition.
In each of the first three rounds, both the BBC and the Sportsman have streamed one game each via both iPlayer and YouTube and the data highlights the popularity of both.
When confirming the broadcast fixtures for Round Four of the Challenge Cup the RFL confirmed how each broadcaster had performed so far in terms of their audience.
The RFL announcement read: “Both streaming platforms have attracted strong Betfred Challenge Cup viewing figures to date, with the average BBC audience up 81 percent on 2023 and The Sportsman showing an increase of 22 percent on its 2023 average. ”
It’s another sign of the huge positivity surrounding the game heading into the 2024 campaign with the work of IMG seemingly starting to reap rewards.
Those upward trends could continue given that the two selected fixtures for Round Four look set to be very competitive games, an all-Championship tie at Odsal whilst League One Oldham have another opportunity to take a Championship scalp on the road.
Challenge Cup Round Four Draw and match information
Bradford Bulls will welcome Widnes Vikings to Odsal in one of the broadcast games from Round Four. – Copyright: xTomxPearsonx PSI-12824-0021
With the fourth round of the historic competition set to take place in line with the second round of the new Super League season, most of the games have been moved to Sunday to avoid any clashes.
One of the two Saturday games sees Championship side Halifax Panthers host London-based club Hammersmith Hills Hoists, whilst the other Saturday game features two community clubs as Wath Brow Hornets travel to face York Acorn.
A full list of fixtures can be seen below with all games to be played on Sunday 25th unless specified.
– Batley Bulldogs v Rochdale Hornets (KO 2pm)
– Bradford Bulls v Widnes Vikings (KO 12.30pm) live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online
– Halifax Panthers v Hammersmith Hills Hoists (Saturday 24, KO 5pm)
– Keighley Cougars v Featherstone Rovers (KO 3pm)
– Swinton Lions v Oldham (KO 6pm) live on The Sportsman
– Wakefield Trinity v Hunslet ARLFC (KO 2pm)
– York Acorn v Wath Brow Hornets (Saturday 24, KO 2pm)
– York Knights v Sheffield Eagles (KO 3pm)
