Commonwealth Games TV channel and how to watch today

Need to know

The Commonwealth Games has a long tradition of being broadcast on the BBC but the 2026 edition of the event has had a major change

All you need to know about the Commonwealth Games’ coverage:

1. BBC status: For the first time in 72 years, the BBC will not be broadcasting any live coverage or highlights of the Commonwealth Games. ^{The corporation was unable to match the bid from the market, ending an uninterrupted run of coverage many UK fans had grown accustomed to.}
2. TV channel and streaming: UK viewers who want to watch the events live will now need to turn to TNT Sports, which secured the exclusive television and digital rights. ^{Additionally, all 600 hours of live action and every medal session will be available to stream for subscribers via HBO Max.}
3. Channel 5 highlights: To ensure the event remains broadly accessible without a subscription, Channel 5 has stepped in to offer a free-to-air daily highlights show. ^{This hour-long broadcast airs every night at 10.30pm BST, bringing fans a comprehensive round-up of the day’s biggest results.}
4. BBC history: The BBC had previously been completely synonymous with the Commonwealth Games, having broadcast every edition since 1954. ^{This historic seven-decade legacy ultimately came to an end due to the BBC’s financial constraints and a strategic shift toward acquiring digital clip rights over live events.}
5. Free-to-air alternatives: While the main English-language live broadcasts sit firmly behind a paywall this year, viewers willing to get a bit creative can still watch some live events for free on the Gaelic broadcaster BBC Alba. ^{This combination of pay-TV live coverage and free-to-air highlights ensures the Games still comfortably meet UK broadcasting regulations regarding public accessibility.}

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Watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games live on TNT Sports

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TNT Sports

Get TNT Sports here

TNT Sports is airing all the action from the 2026 Commonwealth Games live from Glasgow across July 23 to August 2. Fans can tune in live on HBO Max or Prime Video’s TNT Sports channel.