MX23RW : Thursday, February 13 16:12:29| >> :600:1179291:1179291:

TNT Sports admits Six Nations bid would be "very challenging"

TNT Sports admits Six Nations bid would be
© Discovery
A spokesperson for TNT Sports plays down reports that the broadcaster could challenge for the rights to the Six Nations.

TNT Sports has played down speculation that it could make a move for the broadcasting rights to the Six Nations in the near future.

The annual tournament - contested annually between England, Wales, Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy - is one of the biggest events in the rugby union calendar and is currently shown jointly by the BBC and ITV.

Their deal expires this year, however, and a recent report on RugbyPass suggested that TNT could look to take over the rights from 2026 with a bid of £100m - £10m more than currently paid by its terrestrial counterparts.

Such an agreement would be possible as TV regulator Ofcom classifies the Six Nations in the second tier of protected broadcasting rights, meaning that a pay TV provider can hold the rights as long as a free-to-air broadcaster shows highlights.

Responding, a TNT Sports spokesperson told Broadcast: "While we think the Six Nations is the best international rugby competition in the world, its important partnership with free-to-air television across the UK and Ireland, but particularly in markets like Wales and Ireland, would make our involvement very challenging."

TNT is already the UK home to the annual Autumn internationals series and broadcasts every game from the top-flight Premiership Rugby division live.

ID:564178:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2512:
Written by
Neil Wilkes

Follow us on Bluesky or on X/Twitter and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.

Media Mole's Lowest Ever Sky Offer: Get Sky Essential, Sky Stream & Netflix for just £15 a month + £0 upfront fee for 24 months!
Prices may change during this period. Ends March 19, 2025

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
James Norton in Playing Nice episode one
Read Next:
ITVX to release new drama boxset every Sunday
>
Read more about Broadcasting Entertainment
rhs 2.0
New TV Picks header

Thursday, February 13


The Apprentice: BBC One, 9pm
It's the annual run-around-and-buy-nine-items task, this year set in the land of Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon

Emmerdale: ITVX, from 7am and ITV1, 7pm
After Kerry wins a limo, rival boys' and girls' nights out are planned by some of the villagers...

Dragons' Den: BBC One, 8pm
This week's pitches include a new way to buy crisps, pre-packaged flowerbeds and an umbrella innovation