BBC slammed as they lose another free-to-air event through TV rights controversy
Troy Grant has lambasted the BBC for not offering enough money to televise the Rugby League World Cup this year. The tournament is underway in Australia at the moment, although fans can only tune in with a valid Premier Sports subscription. The BBC broadcast all 61 games across the men's, women's and wheelchair tournaments back in 2021, but are claimed to have made a 'disappointing' offer to broadcast the event in 2026.
TL;DR
- Troy Grant, chair of the International Rugby League, criticized the BBC for a low offer to broadcast the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
- The broadcast rights for the 2026 tournament were secured by Premier Sports, with Grant expressing disappointment in the BBC's decision.
- Grant stated that the BBC broadcast the 2021 World Cup for a minimal cost, but this did not result in overall growth for the sport.
- MP Jon Trickett is urging the government to protect major sporting events for free-to-air viewing, highlighting the impact on children from deprived communities.
- The BBC has also lost broadcast rights for other events in 2026, including the Boat Race and the Commonwealth Games.