Latest news with #freetoair
Daily Mail
08-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Boxing to return to free-to-air prime time television for the first time in over 20 years as Boxxer announces deal with BBC following Sky Sports split
The BBC and Boxxer have a announced a deal that will see boxing return to free-to-air prime time television for the first time in over two decades. It was confirmed in June that Sky Sports will not renew boxing promoter Ben Shalom's lucrative deal when it expires at the end of this month. Boxxer, who promote the likes of Chris Eubank Jr, were plucked from relative obscurity in 2021 and handed a £36million, four-year contract in the wake of Sky's split from Eddie Hearn. And they have now moved quickly to strike up a new partnership with the BBC. Promoter Ben Shalom posted on X: 'very proud to be making history with the BBC and a huge day for the sport of boxing. Today, BOXXER announced an exclusive free-to-air partnership with the BBC that puts boxing back on free-to-air terrestrial primetime Saturday night TV, for the first time in 25 years. 'Household names are needed for the sport to thrive. Thanks to every one who made it happen @boxxer.' A press release read: 'BBC Sport and BOXXER today announce a new broadcast deal that will see live, world-class professional boxing return to Saturday night primetime television and BBC iPlayer on a free-to-air basis. 'Selected undercard fights, features and behind-the-scenes content will also be available across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport social channels. 'The new deal opens boxing up to all audiences, making the sport more accessible than ever. Full details of the first fight, undercard and BBC Sport presenting team will be announced in the coming weeks. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: 'Bringing professional boxing back to primetime BBC television, free-to-air, and to our extensive digital platforms is an exciting moment for us and for boxing fans. 'Boxing is a sport that we know deeply resonates with younger audiences and this deal with BOXXER enables us to showcase the next generation of British fighters - delivering top-tier national boxing moments to all audiences, wherever and however they want it.'
BBC News
27-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 free to air as BBC Sport and ITV confirm broadcast deal
BBC Sport and ITV have secured the rights to broadcast the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, ensuring that the biggest tournament in women's football remains free-to-air for UK audiences. Building on the successful collaboration for previous major tournaments, the partnership will bring every key moment, match, and story from the global stage to millions of fans across the UK. The tournament, consisting of 32 teams, kicks off on 24 June 2027 and will be the first Women's World Cup to take place in South America. 64 games will be played over eight host cities, with the final taking place on Sunday 25 July. BBC Sport and ITV have teamed up to share TV rights equally, ensuring the competition remains free-to-air for audiences. Games will be split across both broadcasters, with both airing the final. BBC Sport will deliver comprehensive live match coverage across TV and BBC iPlayer, ensuring fans can watch the big sporting moments wherever they are. In addition, BBC Sport's digital platforms will offer an unparalleled experience, with real-time clips, in-depth highlights, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes content available across the BBC Sport website, app and social media accounts (@BBCSport on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X, as well as @BBCWomensFootball on TikTok). The agreement also includes extensive live audio coverage, with every twist and turn of the tournament captured through BBC Radio 5 Live, 5 Sports Extra, and BBC Sounds - keeping audiences connected to the action at every stage, on every platform. ITV will deliver extensive live match coverage across ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX, led by ITV Sport's stellar presenter and punditry line-up. Highlights of every match will be available for viewers on ITVX and across ITV's social channels. ITV's package of coverage includes social platforms @ITVFootball on X, Facebook and Instagram and @ITVSport on TikTok and YouTube, ensuring fans will not miss a single minute of the action. ITV will continue to be the home of the Lionesses, airing all of England's qualifying matches and friendlies on ITV1, ITV4 and ITVX ahead of the tournament. Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, says: 'BBC Sport has been a longstanding champion of women's football, helping to elevate the game to where it is today – a sport experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and reach across BBC Sport platforms. From domestic leagues to major international tournaments, we've brought the defining moments to millions across the UK already, including this summer's Women's Euro. Extending our partnership with FIFA alongside ITV ensures that the drama and spectacle of the Women's World Cup remains free-to-air, continuing to inspire audiences across the UK, and bring in new fans of the game.' Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, says: 'ITV is proud to play a key role in supporting the tremendous growth of women's football in the UK. ITV Sport is the home of the Lionesses and it's vital we ensure tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 remains free-to-air for generations of football fans to enjoy, with support of the game at an all time high. 'ITV's coverage of the Lionesses victory over Italy in the UEFA Women's EUROs 2025 Semi-Final delivered ITV's biggest peak audience of the year with 10.2 million people tuning in, highlighting the brilliant support and interest in women's football. The FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 is sure to be another standout tournament and we look forward to continuing our relationship with both FIFA and the BBC." BBC Sport's rights portfolio also includes FIFA World Cup 2026 and 2030, the Olympic Games, UEFA Euro 2028, Women's Rugby World Cup 2025, Wimbledon Championships, FA Cup, Women's Super League and Match of the Day (Premier League and Champions League highlights). ITV Sports rights portfolio includes the Men's FIFA World Cup 2026, UEFA Men's Euros 2028, 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. Read more: UEFA Women's Euro 2025 Final England v Spain - How to watch live and follow across the BBC RM4 Follow for more
