BBC faces huge blow as iconic show moves to rival channel after nearly 100 years

The BBC has been hit with a major blow as the iconic Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge Universities will be leaving the broadcaster. Instead, the annual event will now be aired on Channel 4 for the next five years, starting from 2026, ending the BBC's long-standing tenure.

The BBC first aired the Boat Race in 1938 and while Channel 4 has recently acquired the rights, the BBC has covered the event for the majority of its history since that first television broadcast. ITV showed it from 2005 to 2009. However, Channel 4 has not taken the radio rights, which have belonged to the BBC since airing in 1927. The news was announced at the Presidents' Challenge event held at Somerset House on October 1. Pete Andrews, Channel 4 head of sport, said: "We are thrilled to have secured the rights to one of the most iconic amateur sports events in the British calendar. 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."

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 Boat Race is a British institution dating back to 1829, and it is hoped that Channel 4 can breathe new life into the rowing regatta in similar fashion to its Paralympics coverage.