Gabby Logan Responds to BBC Losing England Six Nations Broadcast Rights
The BBC will lose its rights to broadcast England’s men’s Six Nations matches starting in 2026, as confirmed by a new television agreement. This deal, made in conjunction with ITV, will alter the broadcasting landscape for the Six Nations from 2026 to 2029.
Major Changes in Six Nations Broadcasting
With ITV now taking the lead, all of England’s matches in the Six Nations will be aired exclusively by the network. In total, ITV will cover ten matches each season, showcasing every England game along with high-profile fixtures involving other teams.
BBC’s Reduced Role
Despite the shifts, the BBC will still air five matches per season, focusing solely on fixtures featuring Scotland and Wales, excluding any games with England. However, the BBC will maintain its comprehensive coverage of other rugby competitions, including:
- The Women’s Six Nations
- The Under-20 Six Nations
The BBC will continue to provide exclusive commentary for all matches via BBC Sounds and BBC Radio.
Free-to-Air Broadcasts Ensured
Fans will be pleased to know that they can continue watching the men’s Six Nations matches for free, despite the changes. The collaboration between ITV and BBC guarantees free-to-air coverage through the duration of the new agreement until 2029.
A Shift in Broadcasting Tradition
The BBC has been a long-time broadcaster of the Six Nations. The new arrangement highlights a trend toward shared rights in major sports. Notably, ITV will now hold the broadcasting rights for significant matches such as the Calcutta Cup and key fixtures against France, Ireland, Wales, and Italy.
Gabby Logan’s Optimistic View
Notable sports presenter Gabby Logan expressed her enthusiasm about the ongoing Six Nations. She emphasized the unique attributes of the tournament, mentioning the excitement and regional rivalries that it brings. Logan conveyed her happiness about continuing her involvement for the next four years.
Upcoming Fixtures for 2026
The fixtures for the 2026 Six Nations have also been confirmed, promising thrilling matchups for fans. Here’s a brief rundown:
| Round | Date | Fixture | Venue | Kick-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 5, 2026 | France vs. Ireland | Venue TBC | 8:10 PM |
| 1 | February 7, 2026 | Italy vs. Scotland | Stadio Olimpico, Rome | 2:10 PM |
| 1 | February 7, 2026 | England vs. Wales | Allianz Stadium, Twickenham | 4:40 PM |
| 2 | February 14, 2026 | Ireland vs. Italy | Aviva Stadium, Dublin | 2:10 PM |
| 2 | February 14, 2026 | Scotland vs. England | Murrayfield, Edinburgh | 4:40 PM |
| 2 | February 15, 2026 | Wales vs. France | Principality Stadium, Cardiff | 3:10 PM |
The upcoming Six Nations promises to continue captivating audiences, even as the broadcasting landscape evolves.
