The Boat Race, a long-standing tradition between Oxford University and Cambridge University, will not be broadcast by the BBC on TV or radio this year for the first time in nearly a century. Channel 4 secured the television rights for the prestigious event in a five-year deal six months ago, while Times Radio has acquired the radio rights until 2028.
Since the mid-1920s, the BBC has been the primary broadcaster of the rowing race on the Thames, originally airing it on the radio and later on television starting in 1938. However, the upcoming race on April 4 will not be accessible on BBC platforms.
While there have been interruptions in the BBC’s coverage of the event in the past, notably with ITV broadcasting the race from 2005 to 2009 and LBC holding the radio rights from 2005 to 2010, this marks the first time the BBC will not showcase the Boat Race, which drew 2.6 million viewers last year.
The decision follows reports from The Telegraph indicating that the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, lacked interest in retaining the rights due to his perception of the race as “elitist.” Times Radio obtained the rights at no cost, with the condition that they promote the event across the News UK network.
The BBC has experienced a decline in viewership for the Boat Race in recent years, coupled with rising production expenses. Kay-Jelski, who assumed leadership of BBC Sport in 2024, has shifted the organization’s strategy, leading to the loss of broadcasting rights for events such as the Commonwealth Games and now, the Boat Race.
Speaking at the Financial Times’s Business of Football Summit, Kay-Jelski emphasized the importance of digital engagement, stating that the BBC can maintain relevance without live sports by focusing on digital content. The broadcaster faces uncertainties over its future coverage of Wimbledon and the Six Nations.
Siobhan Cassidy, Chair of The Boat Race Company, expressed excitement about the partnership with Times Radio, highlighting shared values of heritage, tradition, precision, and quality. The agreement will commence with this year’s Boat Race on April 4, delivering live coverage and supporting content to listeners.
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