The Boat Race, a historic event between Oxford University and Cambridge University, will not be broadcast on the BBC for the first time in almost 100 years. Channel 4 secured the television rights for the renowned race in a long-term agreement, while Times Radio will now air the race on radio until 2028.
Traditionally, the BBC has been the primary broadcaster of the Boat Race, airing it on radio since the mid-1920s and on television since 1938. However, this year’s race, scheduled for April 4, will be available on different platforms.
While the BBC has previously faced interruptions in its coverage of the event, this marks the first time it will not broadcast the Boat Race at all. This decision follows reports that the BBC’s director of sport expressed hesitancy towards the event, citing concerns over its perceived elitism.
The shift away from airing the Boat Race aligns with a broader strategy at the BBC under the leadership of Alex Kay-Jelski, who took over BBC Sport in 2024. The corporation has experienced declining viewership for the Boat Race in recent years amid rising production costs.
Kay-Jelski emphasized the evolving media landscape and the BBC’s focus on staying relevant, even without live sports broadcasting. The move away from traditional sports coverage reflects a shift towards engaging audiences through digital platforms.
The Chair of The Boat Race Company, Siobhan Cassidy, expressed delight at the new partnership with Times Radio, highlighting shared values of heritage, tradition, and quality. The collaboration aims to provide live coverage and supporting content for this year’s race and future events.
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