Both Kyle Amor and Mark Wilson have seemingly confirmed that Channel 4’s coverage of rugby league has ended, the broadcaster no longer in the game after two successful seasons.
Channel 4 landed a deal to showcase ten Super League games across both the 2022 and 2023 seasons and for these past two years they have provided excellent coverage.
For many fans it was a huge boost to see the sport covered by Channel 4, not simply because it was free-to-air but also due to the quality of production, commentary and punditry.
Fast becoming a fan favourite it was hoped by many that the broadcasters would have some market share in 2024, however when Sky Sports secured a deal to showcase every Super League game until 2026 there was major doubt over the future of rugby league on Channel 4.
It was then reported yesterday by Mail Sport that the BBC were to acquire 12 live games per season for each of the next three seasons, therefore becoming the free-to-air channel to show Super League games.
Within the Mail’s report it was suggested that the BBC outbid Channel 4 for the rights to the coverage, meaning it was likely the end of Channel 4 coverage full stop.
That has now seemingly been confirmed by c0-commentator and former player Kyle Amor and lead commentator Mark Wilson.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the former St Helens forward Amor posted: “A first and last photo. Thanks for the last 2 seasons @C4Sport, was amazing to be part of such a fun team.
“Absolutely delighted that the game will continue to be shown on terrestrial TV and we should all celebrate this as it is so important in helping to grow our game!”
As part of his post he attached images of himself and Wilson, alongside a snap that showed himself seated with presenters Adam Hills and Helen Skelton, and fellow former pro turned pundit Danika Priim.
A first and last photo 📸🥹
Thanks for the last 2 seasons @C4Sport was amazing to be a part of such a fun team 💫
Absolutely delighted that the game will continue to be shown on terrestrial TV and we should all celebrate this as it is so important in helping to grow our game! pic.twitter.com/fWI4fqKOFt
— Kyle Amor (@kylejamor87) January 9, 2024
His post was then shared by the other man who took the mic for Channel 4, the underrated and brilliant commentator Mark Wilson, who shared a message in a similar vein.
Wilson posted: “Well said Kyle. It’s been an absolute blast to be a part of @C4Sport for the last two years. Free to air Super League is such a valuable tool for RL to have in addition to Sky Sports. These are are exciting times.”
And whilst it’s sad to see the popular coverage end it seems both men share the wide-held belief that free-to-air rugby league, be it on BBC, Channel 4 or another channel, is of huge importance to the continued development of the game.
Per the Mail’s report the coverage of Super League will see the BBC take Saturday evening kick-offs in the 5:30pm slot which will engage a huge audience hopefully, serving to help promote the game ten-fold.
Well said Kyle. It’s been an absolute blast to be a part of @C4Sport for the last two years. Free to air @SuperLeague is such a valuable tool for RL to have in addition to @SkySportsRL. These are exciting times. https://t.co/V66FMnPzLf
— Mark Wilson (@MarkWilsonRadio) January 9, 2024
Rugby League on TV
Challenge Cup semi final draws huge BBC audience
Super League Disciplinary News
Super League Disciplinary: Concerns after stars lash out in Challenge Cup
