BBC loses rights to sporting event in huge blow as Channel 4 signs multi-year deal

The BBC has lost the broadcasting rights to The Boat Race, with the iconic event now set to be screened on Channel 4 from next year.

The annual rowing showdown between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the River Thames is one of Britain's most historic sporting events, first taking place in 1829. It was first televised in 1938, with the BBC broadcasting the vast majority of races since then, while ITV covered it between 2005 and 2009.

However, a major new deal has now been finalised, with Channel 4 securing the rights to become the exclusive free-to-air TV home of the event and deliver coverage for the next five years, commencing in 2026. It means that the broadcaster will showcase the centenary of the Women's Boat Race in 2027 and the bicentenary of the Men's Boat Race in 2029.

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The shake-up comes after this year's event drew record viewing figures, with the women's race becoming the most-watched female sporting event of 2025 at the time.Around 2.8 million people tuned in to watch BBC One's coverage in April, with a peak of 2.18 million recorded for the women's race.

However, despite the promising statistics, the BBC has lost what Channel 4 has branded a "crown jewel" event from its sports portfolio. The new rights holder says that interest in the event has "never been stronger".

"We are thrilled to have secured the rights to one of the most iconic amateur sports events in the British calendar," said Pete Andrews, Channel 4's Head of Sport. "The Boat Race is rich in tradition and history and British interest in the event has never been stronger.

"We are committed to bringing the very best sports events to our audience, both from the UK and around the globe, and The Boat Race is the perfect example.

"It's the crown jewel of the rowing calendar and consistently captures the imagination of the British public year after year, both on the side of the Thames and in living rooms across the country. In recent years, it has delivered some truly unforgettable moments, and we can't wait to bring that excitement to our viewers next year."

Meanwhile, Siobhan Cassidy, chair of The Boat Race Company, said: "We are delighted to work with Channel 4 to broadcast our unique, iconic and intensely British event between our two world-leading Universities.

"We know that this is a huge day out for Londoners, and our independent research has shown that Boat Race Day generates £13-15 million in economic impact for London.

"We are grateful to the support of our previous broadcast partners and have come a long way since our first radio commentary in 1927 and television pictures in 1938. We look forward to seeing how Channel 4 can portray the drama, excitement and heritage of the event on Easter Saturday 2026!"

Channel 4 has added The Boat Race to its growing portfolio of major sporting events, which already includes live matches from the Women's FA Cup, the UEFA U21 Championship and England's home matches in the Nations League and European qualifiers. In addition to football, the channel also broadcasts Formula 1 highlights and England hockey internationals.

The move comes amid concerns that the BBC could lose more high-profile events from its sports portfolio, with the future of huge competitions such as the Six Nations and Wimbledon on its channels becoming increasingly uncertain in recent years.

The Boat Race 2026 is scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 4, with Cambridge aiming for a fourth consecutive win in the men's race and an eighth in the women's event. At present, the overall record in the men's race stands at 88-81 in favour of Cambridge, with the Light Blues also holding a commanding 49-30 lead in the women's event.