ITV is set for a significant shake-up to its sports broadcasting schedule in 2026, having lost the rights to four of its most iconic events. The terrestrial broadcaster will no longer show three major snooker tournaments and the legendary Tour de France, marking a substantial shift in the UK's free-to-air sports landscape.
Snooker Switches Channels: A Triple Blow
The most immediate change for ITV Sport fans will be the departure of elite snooker. The broadcaster will no longer air the Players Championship, the Tour Championship, or the British Open from 2026. This comes despite ITV only extending its snooker contract for a single year back in September 2024.
In a move that consolidates free-to-air snooker on a rival network, Channel 5 has secured the rights to all three World Snooker Tour events. Ben Frow, Chief Content Officer for Channel 5 and Paramount UK, expressed his delight at the new deal, stating it aligns with the channel's mission to keep top-tier live sport accessible to all UK viewers.
World Snooker Tour chairman Steve Dawson welcomed the new partnership in September, highlighting snooker's historic commitment to free-to-air coverage. He noted that the Players and Tour Championships are elite events featuring only the season's top performers, while the British Open is a historic tournament known for its unique random draw format.
Tour de France Pedals Away from ITV
The changes extend beyond the baize. ITV's long-standing broadcast of the Tour de France, a tradition since 2001, will also end in 2026. Warner Bros. Discovery and Eurosport have secured a deal to show the premier cycling race until 2030.
This move concludes over two decades of the race being available on free-to-air television in the UK. While Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly exploring options for free-to-air highlights, the full live coverage is expected to move behind a paywall.
Implications for Sports Fans
The loss of these four events represents a notable reduction in ITV's live sports portfolio, which currently includes major properties like the football World Cup. For snooker enthusiasts, the shift to Channel 5 ensures the sport remains on free-to-air television, continuing its broad accessibility.
However, cycling fans face a more uncertain future regarding easy access to the Tour de France. The developments underscore the fiercely competitive and fluid nature of sports broadcasting rights, where long-term partnerships can be reshuffled with significant consequences for viewer habits.
