BBC and ITV agree new partnership to offer fans free-to-air live Six Nations
ITV and BBC Sport have agreed a new four-year partnership for the live free-to-air rights for the Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship, which will run concurrently from 2026 to 2029.
ITV will broadcast ten live matches each season including every England fixture for the duration of the deal and deliver free-to-air live coverage across ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, plus highlights and exclusive content on ITV Sport social accounts and YouTube.
BBC Sport will bring audiences live TV coverage, TV highlights and digital clips of the Men's Six Nations including five live matches involving Scotland and Wales each year, and comprehensive live coverage of the Women's Six Nations and U20 Six Nations across BBC TV Channels and iPlayer. As well as live audio commentary across multiple platforms including radio, BBC Sounds and BBC Sport website and app.
Director of BBC Cymru Wales, Rhuanedd Richards said: 'Today's announcement is wonderful news for rugby fans the length and breadth of Wales.
"I have always been a passionate advocate for keeping the Six Nations on free to air television and I'm so pleased that the BBC, working with ITV have ensured this can continue for the next four years to provide live coverage of the Men's games.
It's also fantastic news that the BBC will continue to be the home of the Women's Six Nations, securing the broadcast rights to all games until 2029.
"The viewing figures speak for themselves; hundreds of thousands tune in to watch these incredible tournaments and we look forward to bringing the very best coverage of Wales and the Six Nations to Welsh audiences.
'I'd like to thank colleagues who have worked hard to secure this deal and to the Director-General, Tim Davie who recognises the importance of the competition to our audiences.'
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport says: '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.'
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport says: "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.
"This is an exciting time for rugby, and we are proud to share every thrilling moment with audiences across the UK."
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.'
'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 very 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.'
ITV Sports rights portfolio includes the Women's Euros 2025, The FA Cup, Men's Euros 2028, Men's FIFA World Cup 2026, Men's FIFA World Cup 2030, Guinness Men's Six Nations Championship, ITV Horse Racing, LIV Golf and the Carabao Cup among many other sporting highlights.
BBC Sport is the home of the Women's Six Nations 2025 across linear TV and iPlayer starting later this month (22 March), along with exclusive coverage of every match of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England this summer, available live on TV, iPlayer, and the red button.
BBC Sport's rights portfolio also includes the Olympic Games, The FA Cup, Men's Euro 2028, Women's Euros 2025, Men's FIFA World Cup 2026, Men's FIFA World Cup 2030, Women's Super League, Wimbledon Championships, Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 and Match of The Day (Premier League and Champions League highlights).
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