Six Nations Rugby, in collaboration with its Unions and Federations, have announced a new four-year broadcasting agreement with the BBC and ITV, ensuring the tournament’s accessibility to a wide audience amid growing concerns it might shift behind a paywall.
This move reflects a broader effort to maintain wide audience reach while countering fears of sports moving exclusively to pay-TV or streaming services. The deal also hints at a financial uplift, with the new contract reportedly exceeding the current £90 million annual value, showcasing the enduring value of live sports content – a win for both fans and the sport’s governing bodies.
The deal, effective from 2026, builds on the existing partnership with the two broadcasters, which had faced uncertainty as the current contract neared its end. ITV will take the lead, airing 10 matches per tournament, including all of England’s games, while the BBC will broadcast five matches, covering each home game for Wales and Scotland.
At Scrum, we’re thrilled to learn of this update as the 2025 Six Nations wraps up this weekend with today’s “Super Saturday” fixtures on March 15. This new deal secures the Championship’s place in our living rooms, ensuring that the passion, rivalries, and drama of this iconic tournament remain a shared experience for all of us through 2029.
