The Boat Race will not be broadcast by the BBC on television or radio for the first time in almost 100 years this year as they have lost the broadcasting rights. Channel 4 secured the TV rights for the prestigious event in a five-year agreement six months ago, while Times Radio has acquired the radio rights until 2028.
The BBC has been the long-standing broadcaster of the rowing competition between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the Thames since the mid-1920s, initially airing on radio and later on television in 1938. However, this year’s race, scheduled for April 4, will now be available through other channels.
Despite gaps in the past, such as ITV broadcasting the race from 2005 to 2009 and LBC holding radio rights from 2005 to 2010, this marks the first time that the BBC will not air the Boat Race, which attracted a viewership of 2.6 million last year.
The decision follows a report by The Telegraph indicating that the BBC’s sports director, Alex Kay-Jelski, displayed little interest in retaining the rights, citing the event as “elitist.” Times Radio took over the rights at no cost, with the condition that they promote it across the News UK network.
The BBC has observed a decline in viewership for the Boat Race in recent years, coupled with rising production expenses. Kay-Jelski, who assumed the role at BBC Sport in 2024, has initiated a shift in the corporation’s strategy, leading to the loss of rights for events like the Commonwealth Games in addition to the Boat Race.
Expressing the evolving media landscape, Kay-Jelski emphasized that live sports are not essential for BBC’s relevance, pointing out successful coverage of events like Formula 1 through audio and digital platforms. He highlighted the importance of staying pertinent in a media environment dominated by mobile devices.
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, expressed delight in welcoming Times Radio as the new radio partner, highlighting shared values of heritage, tradition, precision, and quality between the event and Times Radio. The partnership commences with this year’s Boat Race on April 4.
For the latest updates on the Boat Race and more, stay tuned to Times Radio and Channel 4.