BBC Sport and ITV 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.
Both broadcasters will bring free-to-air coverage across TV and digital platforms until 2029.
There had been speculation that some or all of the rights would go to a pay-TV channel, with TNT Sports which already shows extensive rugby coverage the likely recipient.
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.
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport said: “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.
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.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport commented: “This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible. This is an exciting time for rugby, and we are proud to share every thrilling moment with audiences across the UK.”
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.
