TNT Sports has suggested that despite the end of ITV4's free-to-air coverage of the Tour de France, there may be a free version of this summer's race available to UK viewers. This year will be the first in four decades without the Tour de France shown in its entirety on a free-to-air channel, after ITV failed to bid to renew its rights from the 2026 edition.
Free-to-Air Product Confirmed
Scott Young, Executive Vice President of Production at TNT Sports' parent company Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), confirmed to The Independent and other outlets last week that there will be a free-to-air product this summer. Young stated: "I think you need to have a free-to-air product [for the Tour de France] and there will be a free-to-air product." He added that it could involve a partner showing parts of the race to a free audience, but details on duration, frequency, and platform are still being worked out.
Potential Partnerships and Platforms
Young noted that TNT Sports has relationships with free-to-air partners across nearly everything they do, including the BBC for the Olympics and FA Cup, and ITV for rugby union coverage. He also mentioned their own free-to-view channels, such as Quest, as possible avenues. "There's lots of different ways to connect to an audience beyond the paywall," he said.
Young acknowledged that some viewers will not convert from free-to-air to paying for television, and that this must be accepted. He emphasized the need for a free-to-air relationship to maintain subscription value and investment in sport.
Cycling Rights Consolidation
Unlike other sports where rights are spread across multiple broadcasters, cycling has seen consolidation. Eurosport, now TNT Sports in the UK, has purchased the sport's entire catalogue. The closure of Eurosport in the UK and transfer of cycling coverage to TNT Sports came with a near quintupling of the subscription price, from £6.99 to £30.99 per month. Young explained that while the price has increased, so has their commitment to cycling, and it is up to individuals to decide if the value is there.
Cycling as a Core Offering
Young rejected concerns that cycling coverage would be affected by WBD gaining or losing rights to other sports, particularly football. He stated: "Cycling is not a small cog in the wheel. It's a major part of that wheel, and I can't see that changing in the foreseeable future." He confirmed that the Champions League coming or going makes no difference to their cycling strategy.
Last year, TNT Sports' Tour de France coverage discarded an ad-free streaming option. Young commented that an ad-free product doesn't make sense for a commercial sports broadcaster. However, The Independent understands that WBD is working on a potential dual-screen option with adverts alongside race action.
Excitement for the Future
Young expressed enthusiasm about TNT Sports being the sole rights holder of the Tour de France in the UK. He said: "I think it's really exciting because I know we're going to commit to it. I know what we're going to deliver on the Tour is going to be extraordinary." TNT Sports is the Home of Cycling in the UK, with every stage of the Giro d'Italia live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
