Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow Games to move off free-to-air TV as TNT Sports replaces BBC

The games are moving off free-to-air television for the first time after an agreement over next year’s event in Glasgow was struck with Warner Bros Discovery.

The BBC has been the principal broadcaster of the games since 1954.

TNT Sports is known for screening Uefa Champions League matches as well as some English Premier League fixtures.

TNT sport said fans will be able to access over 600 hours of coverage in the UK and Ireland and streaming on HBO Max.

HBO Max is set to launch in the UK in March, but it is understood fans would be able to subscribe to that platform without needing a full TNT Sports package.

European customers currently pay around five euros, £4.37, a month for HBO Max although UK pricing is still to be announced.

According to the Press Association, TNT also intends to explore the possibility of working with a free-to-air partner on live coverage.

The Commonwealth Games are a Group B listed event, which means live coverage can be on a subscription television service provided that secondary coverage is offered to free-to-air broadcasters.

Commonwealth Sport chief executive Katie Sadleir described the deal as a “landmark moment”, and added: “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.

“Our partnership with Warner Bros Discovery opens up exciting new ways for fans to connect with the action. With more events available live and a strong focus on athlete storytelling, fans will be closer to the Games than ever before.”

Scott Young, EVP at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe said: “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. 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.”

Warner Bros Discovery has been the principal rights holder of the Olympic Games since 2015. Under that deal, the BBC has only been able to show two Olympic events live at the same time – one on a network channel and one via a stream.

Health secretary ‘disappointed’ at decision

Commenting on the announcement, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “I’m very disappointed at this decision. We have been very clear that the Commonwealth Games should be shown on free-to-air TV, enabling the Games to be accessible and enjoyed by all.

“Both the Culture Secretary and I have previously written to the UK Government, making it clear that such a significant event should not be placed behind a paywall. It is also a duty of the BBC as our national broadcaster to play its part in ensuring people in Scotland can watch the Games.

“We asked that the Commonwealth Games was given the same free-to-air broadcasting protections as other major events – such as the Fifa World Cup and the Olympics – by being categorised as a listed A.

“These protections were not put in place by the UK Government and I will be writing to them again to express my disappointment.

“They must reconsider this decision, ensure the Games are protected and make them available free-to-air and to as wide an audience as possible.”

A spokesperson for the BBC 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 to show the Games in Glasgow.

“We wish them every success for next year. We will continue to talk to the organisers about bringing as much of the Games as possible to audiences through free to air services and across BBC platforms.”

The Commonwealth Games will see over 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories compete across 10 sports and six Para sports next summer across four venues - Scotstoun Stadium, the Scottish Event Campus (SEC), the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome (within the Emirates Arena), and the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

The games will run from July 23 to August 2.