The BBC has been replaced as the live broadcaster for the Commonwealth Games, with TNT Sports confirmed as the exclusive rightsholder for Glasgow 2026.
The BBC had been the principal partner of the Commonwealth Games since 1954, having provided free-to-air coverage for 18 consecutive editions of the multi-sport event.
TNT Sports will take over coverage after Commonwealth Sport confirmed awarding of UK and European broadcast rights to Warner Bros. Discovery.
Commonwealth Sport said more than 600 hours of live coverage will be offered to fans as part of the agreement.
Every sport and event will be steamed on HBO Max* in the UK following the platform’s launch in March 2026, with the organisation claiming it will maximise access for the widest possible audience.
‘This is another landmark moment as we continue to re-imagine what a Commonwealth Games looks and feels like for athletes and fans alike,’ said Katie Sadleir, Commonwealth Sport chief executive.
The BBC have lost out on broadcast rights to show the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
‘With a heavyweight broadcast partner like Warner Bros. Discovery onboard across the UK and Europe for Glasgow 2026 and the recent decision to award the 2030 Commonwealth Games to India, alongside strong interest for 2034, the future of our Movement has never been more secure.’
Commonwealth Sport added that Warner Bros. Discovery have a ‘rich storytelling history as the Home of the Olympic Games’ and claimed there will be ‘new, innovative ways for audiences to be closer to the action’.
‘As a premium multi-sport broadcaster, we have a proven ability to connect sports fans and audiences with the world’s biggest sports events and their athletes,’ said Scott Young, EVP at Warner Bros, Discovery Sports Europe.
‘We will bring this storytelling heritage and production expertise to the Commonwealth Games where our coverage of Glasgow 2026 will be comprehensive, immersive and accessible.
‘With coverage of every sport and athlete on our streaming platforms, 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.’
The Commonwealth Games are a listed event under the Broadcasting Act, which lists events of ‘national interest’ which must be offered to the main free-to-air terrestrial broadcasters on ‘fair and reasonable terms’.
The Games are included as a ‘Group B event’, allowing for liver coverage on subscription channels provided that secondary coverage is offered to free-to-air broadcasters.
The BBC has been the main broadcaster of the Games since 1954, but has lost rights to TNT Sports
Commonwealth Sport stated that details of free-to-air coverage and production plans will be confirmed in due course, which could open the door for the BBC to have some coverage of the Games through highlights.
The Times reported that the BBC had bid for live rights, having paid more than £10million to show Birmingham 2022, but Commonwealth Sport opted for the Warner Bros, Discovery bid.
Next summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will feature 10 sports and 6 Para sports over 11-days.
