The BBC will not broadcast the Boat Race for the first time in almost a century, having lost all rights to the annual rowing race between Cambridge and Oxford. The corporation had been the home of the event since the 1920s, first on radio and then on television from 1938.
Starting from this year's race on 4 April, Times Radio has secured the radio rights until 2028, reportedly for free in exchange for promotion across News UK's network. Channel 4 obtained the television rights in a five-year deal confirmed in October.
The BBC's director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, reportedly showed little enthusiasm during negotiations, viewing the event as 'elitist'. Concerns over return on investment and declining viewing figures—a peak of 2.82 million last April—were cited. Kay-Jelski stated the BBC must prioritise content that matters in a competitive market.
This marks the first time the national broadcaster will not air the contest in any format, though the Boat Race has previously been shown on ITV (2005–2009) and LBC (2005–2010). The BBC said its decision reflected difficult choices to deliver best value for audiences.
Times Radio's programme director, Tim Levell, called the Boat Race a 'brilliant fit' for listeners, while Siobhan Cassidy, chairwoman of The Boat Race Company, highlighted shared values of heritage and quality. The women's race, approaching its centenary in 2027, will also receive coverage.
