Six Nations strikes ‘monumental’ broadcasting deal that will ‘maximise audience reach’
Six Nations will remain on free-to-air TV until 2029.
The Six Nations will remain on free-to-air television for the rest of the decade after a “monumental” deal was struck with broadcasters in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In a significant boost for the game in terms of accessibility for supporters and those new to the sport, Rugby’s Greatest Championship is set to stay on terrestrial television.
The new deal will run until the end of the 2029 Men’s Six Nations in what has been called “fantastic news” by a BBC chief and “monumental” by an ITV counterpart.
Breaking down the deal
The BBC will provide coverage of five Men’s Six Nations games per year, including every Scotland and Wales home match, except when each nation is hosting England, when the match will be broadcast on ITV. ITV will televise 10 fixtures per year over the next four years, including every single England clash in each edition of the Championship.
The BBC has also secured media rights to every match of the Women’s Six Nations in the United Kingdom until 2029, with coverage spanning TV and iPlayer, they confirmed.
The U20 Six Nations will be available on BBC platforms for the next four years. They will also hold audio rights for the Men’s, Women’s and U20s Six Nations Championships.
“The significance of these new and innovative free-to-air partnerships for the Six Nations cannot be overstated,” Tom Harrison, CEO of Six Nations Rugby, has revealed.
“By strengthening rugby’s relationships with ITV and the BBC, the sport can continue to give as many fans as possible in the UK access to 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.
“The increased commitment from the free-to-air sector is testament to the appeal and status of our iconic Championships. The commercial environment in which rugby is operating is extremely challenging and the battle for audience attention has never been greater, but the Six Nations stands alongside the greatest occasions in world sport, which is reflected by these partnerships.
“Going into another incredible conclusion to the Men’s Championship, all parties are incredibly excited to build on this momentum and audience growth, to deliver the best possible experience for fans over the next four years.”
There had been speculation that subscription service TNT Sports were looking to take the Six Nations away from free-to-air television, but that plan did not come to fruition.
“This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible,” BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski told the BBC website.
“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.
‘Exciting time’
“This is an exciting time for rugby, and we are proud to share every thrilling moment with audiences across the UK.”
ITV director of sport Niall Sloane added: “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.
“The tournament is always one of the sporting highlights of the year, so we look forward to continuing to work with Six Nations Rugby and each union and federation moving forward.”