Commonwealth Games sparks outrage just days in as coverage pulled from BBC
The Commonwealth Games are currently airing (Image: HBO Max)
Viewers of the Commonwealth Games were quick to issue complaints after coverage of the sporting event was pulled from the BBC. For the first time since 1954, there is no coverage of the games on the broadcaster – either on TV or radio – after it was outbid. TNT Sports has since taken over as the live TV partner of Glasgow 2026, while talkSPORT is the new destination for radio coverage.
HBO Max subscribers will be able to stream every event live, while Channel 5 will air highlights of the day’s events every evening. As the athletes began their bid for gold on Friday, fans were left complaining about the lack of coverage on terrestrial TV. Viewers weren’t impressed that TNT Sports was only broadcasting coverage on one channel, while others fumed over having to pay for an HBO Max subscription to tune into their favourite sports, reports the Mirror.
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Viewers were quick to share their frustration (Image: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
Sharing their frustration over the games not being shown on the BBC, one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Trying to find somewhere to watch the #CommonwealthGames in #Glasgow. Can’t find any channel anywhere that I can access. I love sport – especially the Commonwealth Games – I am absolutely FUMING that I can’t find anywhere to watch it. @BBCSport.”
Another added: “It’s so disappointing,” while a third said: “The Commonwealth Games not being on the BBC is an absolute crime.”
A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “Why are the #commonwealthgames not being shown on terrestrial TV…free, in a time when we so need the feel-good factor that they bring, in such recent dark times, to boost the well-being of the nation? It doesn’t make sense,” while another wrote: “No #CommonwealthGames coverage on BBC is pretty shocking, has to be said.”
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Someone else shared: “I’m so sad we can’t watch the Commonwealth Games on normal TV. It’s always been an exciting midsummer watch that scratched the ‘missing the Olympics itch’. So many b***** subscriptions needed now to keep up with sport. It’s not good.”
A seventh viewer commented: “Really poor that the BBC didn’t get the coverage rights to this.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the Opening Ceremony (Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Despite the controversy surrounding the change in broadcaster, many other viewers were thrilled to welcome the Commonwealth Games back. “I love the #CommonwealthGames,” one fan declared, while another praised the action from the swimming pool.
A third jubilant supporter wrote: “Day 1 of many memorable to come,” with yet another adding: “Great to see the #CommonwealthGames back in Glasgow.”
215 gold medals are up for grabs until August 2, with Glasgow hosting all the action after the Australian state of Victoria pulled out in July 2023. King Charles officially opened the games during the Opening Ceremony at the Hydro Arena on Thursday (July 23).
The event was attended by athletes from 74 nations and terrories, as well as dignitaries including Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth.
