TNT Sports Secures Live UK Rights for 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Outbidding BBC
TNT Sports has won the live UK broadcasting rights for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, securing 600 hours of coverage over 11 days and outbidding the BBC. This marks the first time since 1954 that the BBC will not broadcast the Games, despite offering to continue coverage.
The BBC has shifted its focus to other sports events with higher viewer potential, including live Bundesliga, the women’s Champions League, and World Cup qualifiers, while retaining Six Nations rugby and highlights of the men’s Champions League. TNT Sports may provide some free-to-air coverage of the Games.
Commonwealth Sport prioritized revenue over reach in awarding the rights, amid ongoing financial difficulties. Glasgow stepped in to host after Australia withdrew; the event receives £100m in funding from Victoria, Australia, but the Games have been reduced in size and margins remain tight.
TNT Sports also holds UK rights for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics and the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games, as part of a Warner Bros Discovery and Eurosport merger. Commonwealth Sport CEO Katie Sadleir described the Glasgow 2026 deal as a landmark moment, emphasizing more live events and athlete storytelling to engage fans.
Looking ahead, the long-term future of the Commonwealth Games remains uncertain. Ahmedabad will host the 2030 edition, and India is bidding to host the 2036 Olympics, potentially contesting with Qatar.
