Media coverage of sport is entirely based on the numbers interested in reading/watching/listening. Rarely does it rely on the spectacle of the game itself.
Sky rely on the numbers subscribing and the attraction this brings to advertisers.
Channel 4 are prepared to look at niche markets as a starting point but do hope the interest grows.
The BBC are similar but acutely aware something like the Six Nations has a massive following without the spectacle. If there write-ups get some hits, they may build further coverage.
I feel the same about the NFL which bores me to tears but boy, does it have some followers?