BBC Alba to Broadcast Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
BBC Alba has announced it will offer nightly live coverage and highlights throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. The Gaelic-language broadcaster will be the exclusive BBC outlet airing live events, following TNT Sports securing the rights as the Games' live UK broadcast partner.
TNT Sports, a subscription channel, outbid the BBC, which had been the primary broadcast partner since 1954, providing free-to-air coverage for 18 consecutive Games. BBC Alba stated that further details regarding broadcast times and programming will be released closer to the Games' commencement later this month. The channel's Gaelic-language coverage will also be accessible via BBC .
Games Overview and Sports
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, featuring 10 sports and six para sports, including 3x3 wheelchair basketball, swimming, artistic gymnastics, athletics, bowls, netball, and track cycling. Over 3,000 athletes representing 74 nations are expected to participate. Glasgow previously hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
BBC Alba's Gaelic Programming and Coverage
BBC Alba broadcasts a variety of Gaelic-language programmes, including current affairs, children's entertainment, and drama. Earlier this year, the channel aired eight live Serie A football matches highlighting Scotland-based players preparing for the upcoming World Cup.
For the Commonwealth Games, BBC Alba will provide Gaelic-language coverage from the opening to the closing ceremonies. Presenter Derek Murray will lead the commentary team.
"This is a historic opportunity for BBC Alba and the Gaelic language to be at the heart of broadcasting a global sporting event to audiences." – Margaret Mary Murray, head of BBC Gaelic Services
"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to showcase the world's finest athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and to bring all the thrills and magic moments to audiences wherever they are."
Partnership and Community Engagement
"These Games belong to everyone and that means making sure every community across Scotland can follow the action in a way that feels close to home." – Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026
"Bringing live coverage to audiences through the Gaelic language reflects everything we want this partnership to stand for - a Games that's for everyone."
Broadcast Rights and TNT Sports
In December, it was announced that TNT Sports would replace the BBC as the live UK broadcast partner for Glasgow 2026. TNT Sports is part of Warner Bros Discovery and is known for broadcasting UEFA Champions League matches and selected English Premier League fixtures. The BBC stated it was "unable to match" TNT's bid to secure the Games' broadcast rights.
TNT Sports has committed to providing over 600 hours of live coverage. Additionally, every event will be streamed on HBO Max.
