Rugby League's oldest competition is gearing up for its traditional Wembley decider, as the 2024 Challenge Cup final takes place this weekend.
It's the 123rd edition of this tournament, and this year it features two of the game's most prestigious and successful clubs, both of whom have a long history of going all the way at Wembley.
The defending 2023 Super League champions Wigan Warriors will look to add a record-extending 21st Challenge Cup title to their trophy cabinet, having already defeated NRL Champions Penrith Panthers in this year's World Club Challenge on home soil.
While the Warriors come into the game as favourites — Challenge Cup winners just two years ago and currently joint-top of the Super League table — Warrington have taken everyone by surprise so far this year. They're fourth in the table, just two points behind Wigan, and under new head coach Sam Burgess — a name well-known to NRL fans too — look a real chance at claiming their first silverware since Wembley success in 2019.
This final will also give the rugby league world a chance to say a final farewell to Rob Burrow, the Leeds Rhinos and Super League legend who sadly lost his battle with motor neurone disease on June 2. The Rugby League powers-that-be have arranged a special tribute to him, which will make this Challenge Cup final a poignant one.
Sheffield Eagles, Castleford, Hull KR, London Broncos, St Helens and Huddersfield have all been dispatched by these two teams on their way to the decider in the English capital.
As Rugby League fans descend on Wembley Stadium, The Sporting News has all the TV, streaming and kick-off details to help you follow the action.
When is the 2024 Challenge Cup Final?
Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves face off in the 2024 Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday, June 8, 2024.
It's only been two years since Wigan last lifted the Challenge Cup, beating Huddersfield to win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2022.
The Warriors' last Wembley victory came back in 2013, on their way to a Super League and Challenge Cup double, while the Wolves defeated St Helens to win their most recent title in 2019.
What time does the 2024 Challenge Cup final start and why is it kicking off late?
Originally slated to kick off at 3:00 p.m. local time (BST), the final's start time has been moved to 3:07 p.m. BST, in a tribute to the life and legacy of former Leeds Rhinos and England halfback Rob Burrow, who passed away on June 2 aged 41 following a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. The start time marks his legacy in the No. 7 jersey.
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| U.K. | Saturday, June 8 | 3:07 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Sunday, June 9 | 12:07 a.m. AEDT |
2024 Challenge Cup final live stream, TV channel
Here's where the 2024 Challenge Cup final will be broadcast and live streamed for Rugby League fans on both sides of the globe:
| TV channel | Streaming | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | BBC One | BBC iPlayer, BBC website |
| Australia | Fox League | Kayo Sports |
UK: The BBC have a long-time tradition of rugby league coverage in the U.K., with the Challenge Cup the best example, and this match will be shown on BBC One with live streaming options available on iPlayer and the BBC website.
Australia: For Rugby League fans Down Under to catch the decider of the sport's oldest competition, FOX League will be broadcasting coverage of the match in Australia. Streaming is also available with a Kayo Sports subscription, and will be available on catchup if you miss the action overnight.
2024 Challenge Cup final prediction
The most recent meeting between these two old foes is still fresh in the memory, given it came in a Round 13 Super League clash at the Halliwell Jones Stadium just last week. Wigan triumphed 19-18 in a closely-fought end-to-end battle, but the match wasn't without its controversies.
Two Warriors in Tyler Dupree and Adam Keighran will miss the Wembley decider following bans picked up for incidents in that game — the former for a needless headbutt at the play-the-ball and Keighran being shown a straight red card for a high shot on Arron Lindop. Minus one of their key forwards and the razor-sharp goal-kicking of Keighran, could Wigan have just thrown their Challenge Cup final hopes to the Wolves?
Prediction: Warrington Wolves to win by 6 points or less
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >