BBC replaced by TNT Sports as Commonwealth Games live broadcaster

The BBC has been replaced by TNT Sports as live UK broadcast partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The subscription channel outbid the BBC, which had been the main partner and provided free-to-air coverage since 1954 for 18 games in a row.

TNT Sports is part of Warner Bros Discovery and is best known for screening Uefa Champions League matches as well as selected English Premier League fixtures.

The BBC said it was “unable to match” TNT’s bid to screen the games, which will take place from 23 July to 2 August.

TNT Sports said it would show more than 600 hours of live coverage in a “re-imagining” of the games, which will feature 10 sports and six para sports.

The broadcaster said every event would be streamed on HBO Max, which is due to launch in the UK and Ireland in March.

A monthly subscription to TNT Sports, ordered online, currently costs £30.99 a month.

But cheaper deals are available as add-ons through providers such as Sky, Virgin Media, BT and EE.

Scott Young, executive vice president at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, said its coverage would be “comprehensive, immersive and accessible”.

He added: “We are confident our approach will celebrate the history of the Commonwealth Games while telling new stories of its competitors with unmatched energy and excitement.”

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026 said the deal would bring more hours of sports coverage for the games “than ever before”.

He added: “This broadcast partnership, secured by Commonwealth Sport, reflects our shared ambition to take coverage of the Games to new and growing audiences.”

The Commonwealth Games are classed a protected event under the Broadcasting Act.

This allows live coverage on subscription television, as long as some secondary coverage is offered to free-to-air broadcasters.

The BBC said it would continue to talk to Glasgow 2026 organisers about showing as much of the Games as possible through its platforms.

A spokesperson said: “The BBC has been proud to broadcast the Commonwealth Games over many years, but our bid was unable to match the financial offer from the market.

“We wish them every success for next year.”