BBC, ITV Reach Agreement To Keep Six Nations Free-To-Air

The Six Nations Championship will continue to be broadcast on free-to-air television until 2029, following a new agreement that secures ITV’s coverage of all England matches.

Concerns had been raised regarding the potential shift of the tournament to a paywall, but a collaborative arrangement between ITV and the BBC has ensured that the annual competition will remain accessible to viewers on terrestrial TV for the next four years.

Under the revised deal, ITV will hold the broadcasting rights for all five of England’s men’s matches, as well as ten fixtures annually.

The existing arrangement, which concludes after this year’s championship, allows the BBC to air all home games for Wales and Scotland.

Commenting on the deal, Six Nations chief executive, Tom Harrison, said: ““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.”

Financial reports suggest that the new deal is valued at approximately GBP£63 million (AUD$128 million) per year, reflecting a modest increase over the previous agreement, with ITV taking on a slightly larger share of costs.

Notably, while TNT Sports expressed interest, they ultimately chose not to place a bid.

The BBC will continue to show five matches each year, maintaining its coverage of Wales and Scotland’s home fixtures, as long as England is not participating.

Consequently, Saturday’s clash at the Principality Stadium will be the last occasion England matches will be broadcast on the BBC until at least 2030.

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