The BBC has been dealt a severe double blow to its sports broadcasting lineup, losing the television rights to two of its most cherished annual events. From 2026, the Commonwealth Games and the University Boat Race will disappear from the corporation's schedules, moving to rival broadcasters.
A Historic Loss for the BBC
In a significant shift, the BBC has been outbid for the rights to the Commonwealth Games, an event it has televised since 1954. The rights for the 2026 Glasgow event have been secured by TNT Sports, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. The BBC confirmed its disappointment, stating its financial offer could not compete with the market.
Adding to the setback, the iconic Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities will also depart. Channel 4 has acquired the coverage, taking over from the BBC, which first televised the race in 1938 and has broadcast the majority of contests since. Channel 4's new deal will include landmark events like the centenary of the Women's Boat Race in 2027 and the men's bicentenary in 2029.
Record Viewership Precedes the Switch
The move comes after the 2025 Boat Race attracted record audiences. The women's race became the most-watched female sporting event of that year at the time, with a peak of 2.18 million viewers on BBC One. Approximately 2.8 million people tuned into the overall coverage in April, highlighting the event's enduring popularity just as it leaves the BBC.
Wimbledon's Future in the Balance
These losses further shrink the BBC's once-dominant sports portfolio. Wimbledon remains its 'Crown Jewel', but its contract is set to expire after the 2027 tournament. TNT Sports, which rebranded from BT Sport after absorbing Eurosport, is already broadcasting the iconic tennis tournament and holds highlights rights from 2025, signalling a potential long-term challenge for the BBC.
The departure of these two long-standing fixtures marks a pivotal moment for public service broadcasting in the UK, as deep-pocketed commercial rivals continue to reshape the sports media landscape.
