The Commonwealth Games 2026 have officially begun in Glasgow, kicking off on Friday (July 24) following the Opening Ceremony on Thursday night (July 23). The ceremony was broadcast live on Channel 5 and TNT Sports, but viewers struggled to find coverage as the sporting events began the following morning.
In a major broadcasting shake-up, TNT Sports has acquired the exclusive live television rights in the UK, ending the BBC's historic 72-year streak of live coverage. The daily live television coverage on TNT Sports will begin at 8.30am each morning. Meanwhile, the day's highlights will air every night on Channel 5.
Viewers wanting comprehensive coverage online or on their mobile devices can stream every event live through the HBO Max app and website, with memberships ranging from £4.99 to £14.99 a month.
Viewers Fume Over Limited Coverage and Paywall
Sports fans quickly took issue with TNT Sports' live coverage: only one channel was showing the games, while others fumed about having to pay for HBO Max to catch every event.
"The Commonwealth Games not being on BBC is an absolute crime, I've literally had to pay for HBO Max for the month because some I want to see [what] is gatekept behind it," one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another added: "How is only TNT Sports 2 showing the games? Absolutely nothing on the red button options! I want to stick with one sport not keep flicking and I am not getting HBO to see more."
They continued: "Just annoying that I have to use HBO to watch actual sports I want to watch. Disappointed but not surprised."
A third said: "Hard to agree with athletes and representatives of the #CommonwealthGames trying to big it up and say it's still massive when nobody can even watch it on national TV. Absolute disgrace."
Someone else shared: "Trying to find somewhere to watch the #CommonwealthGames in #Glasgow. Can't find any channel anywhere that I can access. I love sport - especially the Commonwealth Games - I am absolutely FUMING that I can't find anywhere to watch it."
Some Viewers Celebrate the Return of the Games
Despite the changes in the broadcaster, other viewers were delighted to see the Commonwealth Games return. "I love the #CommonwealthGames," one person said, with another adding: "Watching #CommonwealthGames. Swimmers are looking great [clapping emojis]."
A third excited fan wrote: "Day 1 of many memorable to come," while someone else shared: "Great to see the #CommonwealthGames back in Glasgow."
Sports fans were excited to see Adam Ramsay-Peaty return to the pool on Friday, as he begins his quest for another gold medal in the men's 100m breaststroke. England is also set to play Australia in the wheelchair 3x3 basketball, as well as the men's gymnastics team final taking place.
