Channel 4 adds 'crown jewel of rowing' to sports line-up

CHANNEL 4 has won the rights to be the exclusive broadcaster of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race for the next five years.

- By JENNY GARNSWORTHY, PA

The new agreement will see the broadcaster provide coverage of both the men’s and women’s boat race from next year.

The event attracted record viewing figures in 2025, with the women’s race the most-watched female sporting event of the year at the time.

The 2026 edition will take place on Saturday, April 4 during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

First raced by crews from Oxford and Cambridge universities in 1829, the annual race on the River Thames is one of the oldest and most famous amateur sporting events in the world.

The deal will see Channel 4 cover the centenary of the Women’s Boat Race in 2027 and bicentenary of the Men’s Boat Race in 2029.

The races were previously broadcast by the BBC.