Channel 4 has secured exclusive free-to-air rights to the Boat Race in a five-year deal starting in 2026.
The agreement covers both the Men’s and Women’s races and includes the centenary of the Women’s Boat Race in 2027 and the Men’s bicentenary in 2029.
Channel 4 takes over from the BBC, which has broadcast the Boat Race for much of the past century. The BBC first televised the event in 1938 and carried it almost continuously, apart from a spell on ITV between 2005 and 2009.
The BBC is said to have lost interest in the sport, perceived by some to be elitist.
Pete Andrews, Channel 4 Head of Sport, said: “The Boat Race is the crown jewel of the rowing calendar and consistently captures the imagination of the British public.”
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, added: “Boat Race Day generates £13-15 million in economic impact for London and we look forward to seeing how Channel 4 portrays the drama, excitement and heritage of the event.”
Cambridge secured a clean sweep in 2025 and lead the series 88–81 in the Men’s and 49–30 in the Women’s.
