The BBC has suffered a significant setback in its sports broadcasting lineup for 2026, losing the rights to two of its longest-standing events. The Commonwealth Games and the historic Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race will now be shown on rival channels, marking a notable shift in the UK's sports broadcasting landscape.
End of an Era for BBC Athletics Coverage
The BBC has lost the broadcasting rights to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after a failed bid. The corporation had televised the event since 1954, building a formidable legacy in athletics coverage. However, its financial offer was outmatched by TNT Sports, owned by Warner Bros Discovery.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed the loss, stating: “The BBC has been proud to broadcast the Commonwealth Games over many years, but our bid was unable to match the financial offer from the market. We wish them every success for next year.”
TNT Sports, which relinquished Champions League football coverage last year, is now expanding into major athletics. Scott Young, executive vice-president at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, promised comprehensive coverage. “We will bring this storytelling heritage and production expertise to the Commonwealth Games where our coverage of Glasgow 2026 will be comprehensive, immersive and accessible,” he said.
Channel 4 Steers the Historic Boat Race Away from BBC
In a second major blow, Channel 4 has secured the rights to the iconic Boat Race, ending a near-continuous run for the BBC since television broadcasts began in 1938. The only previous break was a brief stint on ITV from 2005 to 2009.
The annual Oxford versus Cambridge contest, first held in 1829, is one of Britain's oldest sporting traditions. Channel 4's new deal begins this year and is particularly significant as it includes the Women’s Boat Race centenary in 2027 and the Men’s Boat Race bicentenary in 2029.
The move comes after the Women’s Boat Race became the most-watched female sporting event of 2025, drawing a peak audience of 2.18 million viewers on BBC One.
What This Means for the Future of Sports Broadcasting
These losses represent a substantial reshaping of the BBC's sports portfolio. However, Wimbledon remains the crown jewel of its summer schedule, with its contract secured until 2027. Notably, TNT Sports has already begun showing highlights from the 2025 tennis tournament.
The changes reflect a wider consolidation in the market. TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, now holds a five-year deal originally held by Eurosport before its rebranding. Both channels are under the Warner Bros Discovery umbrella, indicating a strategic push to capture more major UK sporting events.
For viewers, these shifts mean key events will migrate to subscription-based or advertising-supported platforms, potentially altering how the British public accesses these historic fixtures.
