BBC Sport and ITV have agreed a new four-year deal for the Men’s Six Nations, which will keep the rugby competition on free-to-air television until 2029.
ITV will broadcast 10 live matches each season including every England fixture for the duration of the deal which begins in 2026.
BBC Sport will carry live TV coverage, TV highlights and digital clips of the Men’s Six Nations including five live matches involving Scotland and Wales each year.
The BBC will also feature live coverage of the Women’s Six Nations and U20 Six Nations across BBC TV channels and iPlayer and will continue to provide live audio commentary.
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “This is a monumental deal for rugby fans and ITV as we ensure the Guinness Men’s Six Nations Championship stays on free-to-air television. We are also proud to be the home of all England matches for the duration of the deal including England’s much revered clashes with Ireland, Scotland and Wales.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport said: "This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible. We are proud to bring the biggest sporting moments to our audiences and this new deal is the perfect news ahead of our exclusive broadcast coverage of the Women’s Rugby World Cup this summer."
Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, said: “The significance of these new and innovative free to air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated. By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible in the UK access to enjoy live coverage of the Six Nations. These partnerships allow us to maximise audience reach whilst generating critical revenue for the game, enabling each Union and Federation to protect and grow the sport in their country in the coming years.”
You are not signed in
Only registered users can comment on this article.
SMPTE, EBU, and ETC research AI’s impact on the media
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) has teamed up with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) on a new engineering report on artificial intelligence (AI) and its effect on media.
Nigel Warner to succeed John McVay as CEO of Pact
UK producers' body Pact has named Nigel Warner, UK Policy Consultant to the Motion Picture Association and Special Counsel at Lexington, as its next CEO.
UK film and TV industry backs clean power plan
The UK film and TV industry has agreed on a plan to permanently shift to clean solutions for temporary power on sets.
Sky’s Priya Dogra to become Chief Executive of Channel 4
Priya Dogra will become the next Chief Executive of Channel 4. Currently Chief Advertising, Group Data, and New Revenue Officer at Sky, Dogra will succeed interim Jonathan Allan in March 2026.
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence lead Golden Globe nominees
One Battle After Another, The White Lotus, and Adolescence have emerged as the frontrunning films and TV shows for the 2026 Golden Globes.
