BBC drop the baton: For first time in 72 years, the Beeb is not covering Commonwealth Games

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

For the first time since 1954, the BBC is not broadcasting the Commonwealth Games, with exclusive live coverage in the UK now available only on subscription-based TNT Sports and HBO. This shift limits free-to-air access, raising concerns about the Games' visibility and the impact of costly broadcast deals on public engagement.

For the first time in 72 years, the BBC is not providing coverage of the Commonwealth Games, sparking disappointment among fans and athletes alike. The 2023 Games, held in Glasgow from July 27, are being broadcast live in the UK exclusively by TNT Sports, after Warner Bros. Discovery reportedly secured the rights for around £5 million. As a result, English-language coverage is only accessible through an HBO subscription, which ranges from £4.99 to £14.99 per month, limiting free-to-air viewing options.

Traditionally, the BBC has aired the Commonwealth Games since 1954, and held the radio broadcast rights until this year. Those rights have now shifted to talkSPORT, meaning there is no BBC radio coverage of the event either. Although the BBC reportedly attempted to extend its partnership, it was outbid and has since focused its resources on other sporting events.

While full coverage is limited to subscription platforms, viewers can still access some programming on BBC Alba, the corporation’s Gaelic language channel. Additionally, Channel 5 is offering highlights with commercial breaks. The BBC’s reduced involvement follows criticism of its scaled-back coverage of the recent FIFA World Cup, when much of its broadcasting was studio-based rather than on location.

The Games in Glasgow feature around 3,000 athletes competing in 215 events across ten sports. This marks a significant reduction from the 19 sports contested at the 2022 Birmingham Games after Victoria, Australia, withdrew as host due to rising costs. Glasgow stepped in to deliver a streamlined version of the event.

The Commonwealth Games Federation has faced financial difficulties in recent years and has been accused of prioritizing lucrative broadcast deals over maximizing free-to-air reach. Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies criticized both the BBC’s reduced offer and the organizing committee’s decision to accept the deal, emphasizing the importance of broad exposure for the Games’ future.

Athlete Luke Whitehouse acknowledged the difference in publicity, noting the event is “not free to watch” but expressing hope that audiences would engage through the available platforms. Fans have voiced frustration as well; Rev Glyn Wise questioned the absence of the Games from the BBC lineup, describing the event as “slightly pushed to one side” this year.

King Charles officially opened the Games at Glasgow’s Hydro Arena on July 27. The BBC declined to comment on its decision not to cover the event.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.