Toronto withdraw TV broadcasts to “reduce costs”

Championship leaders Toronto say they have pulled their final two league fixtures from TV coverage to cut costs.

The Wolfpack released a statement yesterday explaining that they have invested a substantial amount to have their games covered on TV across the world in 2019.

As a result the production company that film all the Canadian outfits home matches will not be present for the games against York and Leigh.

Toronto’s two other remaining home matches against Rochdale and Barrow will also be absent from TV coverage due to clashes with Catalans games on Sky Sports.

The statement released on the club’s website reads: “Toronto Wolfpack have taken the decision to stand down our broadcast and production for the scheduled games at Lamport Stadium against York City Knights (August 10th) and Leigh Centurions (September 7th).

“The Wolfpack have invested a significant amount of money in covering all costs for the production to date in 2019. This decision has been made to reduce costs in the lead up to our much anticipated Betfred Championship playoff campaign.

“With all regular season games outside of Toronto now complete, fans in Canada have been able to watch 15 of the 17 games taking place outside Canada this season live on both Game TV and CBC Sports (online).

“In all 20 out of 23 games have been available live on Sky Sports in the UK, as well as being delivered into 150 million homes worldwide thanks to the Wolfpack’s valued global broadcast partnerships. This commitment signifies that the Wolfpack are the most viewed team in UK Rugby League this year.

“Toronto Wolfpack look forward to returning to our largest ever global television audiences in September, when the Betfred Championship playoffs get underway.”