The annual Boat Race between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the River Thames is one of Britain’s most historic sporting events, first taking place in 1829
12:43, 01 Oct 2025Updated 12:45, 01 Oct 2025
BBC Sport presenter Clare Balding presenting during The Boat Race
The BBC has lost the broadcasting rights to The Boat Race, with the iconic event now set to be shown on Channel 4 from next year onwards.
The annual race between Oxford University and Cambridge University on the River Thames is one of Britain’s most historic sporting events, first taking place in 1829. It was first shown on television in 1938, with the BBC airing the overwhelming majority of races since then and ITV showing it between 2005 and 2009.
However, a big new agreement has now been struck, with Channel 4 securing the rights to become the exclusive free-to-air TV home of the event and provide coverage for the next five years, beginning in 2026. It means that the broadcaster will cover the centenary of the Women’s Boat Race in 2027 and the bicentenary of the Men’s Boat Race in 2029.
The change comes after this year’s event attracted record viewing numbers, with the women’s race becoming the most-watched female sporting event of 2025 at the time. Around 2.8 million people tuned in to watch BBC One’s coverage in April, with a peak of 2.18 million recorded for the women’s race.
However, despite the encouraging statistics, the BBC has lost what Channel 4 has described as a “crown jewel” event from its sports coverage. The new rights holder says that interest in the event has “never been stronger.”
“We are thrilled to have secured the rights to one of the most iconic amateur sports events in the British calendar,” said Channel 4’s Head of Sport, Pete Andrews. “The Boat Race is rich in tradition and history and British interest in the event has never been stronger.
“We are committed to bringing the very best sports events to our audience, both from the UK and around the globe, and The Boat Race is the perfect example.
“It’s the crown jewel of the rowing calendar and consistently captures the imagination of the British public year after year, both on the side of the Thames and in living rooms across the country. In recent years, it has delivered some truly unforgettable moments, and we can’t wait to bring that excitement to our viewers next year.”
The Boat Race was first broadcast in 1938
Meanwhile, Siobhan Cassidy, chair of The Boat Race Company, said: “We are delighted to work with Channel 4 to broadcast our unique, iconic and intensely British event between our two world-leading Universities.
“We know that this is a huge day out for Londoners, and our independent research has shown that Boat Race Day generates £13-15 million in economic impact for London.
“We are grateful to the support of our previous broadcast partners and have come a long way since our first radio commentary in 1927 and television pictures in 1938. We look forward to seeing how Channel 4 can portray the drama, excitement and heritage of the event on Easter Saturday 2026!”
The acquisition of The Boat Race is the latest move made by Channel 4 in bringing big sporting events to the channel, with their portfolio now including live matches from the Women’s FA Cup, the UEFA U21 championship and England’s home matches in the Nations League and European qualifiers. Outside of football, the channel also shows Formula 1 highlights and England hockey internationals.
However, it also comes amid fears the BBC could lose more high-profile events from its sporting portfolio, with the future of huge competitions such as the Six Nations and Wimbledon on its channels looking more uncertain in recent years.
Next year’s Boat Race will be held on Easter Sunday, April 4, and will see Cambridge aim for a fourth consecutive win in the men’s race and an eighth in the women’s event, while Oxford look to turn the tide.
Currently, the overall record in the men’s race stands at 88-81 in favour of Cambridge, while the Light Blues also hold an impressive 49-30 lead in the women’s event.