The UK is currently buying more TV licences than ever before. With over 90% of the licence fee spent on BBC TV channels, radio stations, BBC iPlayer and online services, this increased income means you can enjoy an ever-wider choice of BBC shows and services, free at the point of use, on a range of platforms. This article from The Aerial Guys highlights the 10 most exciting BBC rights wins for you to enjoy over the coming years.
1. English International and Domestic Cricket
The BBC last broadcasted live televised cricket 21 years ago in 1999 and the sport has not been available on free-to-air TV since the 2005 Ashes series, aired on Channel 4. From 2020, for the first time in 21 years, English international and domestic cricket will be streamed live on BBC TV. Over 100 hours of cricket will be broadcast each summer in a five-year deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This is a fantastic tv sports rights win for the BBC. Howzat!
2. The Masters 2017
The BBC has extended its broadcasting relationship deal with the Masters Tournament, which celebrates 50 years since the BBC’s first broadcast of the iconic golf competition in 1967. As of 6-9 April 2017, the Masters will be accessible on a PC, tablet, mobile and connected TV. For the UK’s growing numbers of avid golfing fans, this has been a fantastic BBC sport rights win.
3. British Basketball League
The 2016-2017 British Basketball League (BBL) was made available on the BBC red button and on the BBC Sport website this season. Thirty two British Basketball League and Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL) games were live and accessible to connected TVs. Slam dunk!
4. Wimbledon
The next bbc tv sports rights win worth celebrating is the BBC’s extended contract deal to broadcast Wimbledon for an additional four years, taking its partnership with the All England Club through to 2024. Wimbledon will continue to be broadcast across BBC One, BBC Two, BBC online and on BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra over the next seven years.
5. Glastonbury Festival
Not all of the greatest BBC rights wins are sports related. In April 2017, the BBC secured broadcast rights to the world-renowned Glastonbury Festival through to 2022 which will include Glastonbury’s 50th anniversary festival in 2020 and the BBC’s 100th anniversary in 2022. The latest BBC rights deal continues an extensive and successful partnership between the BBC and Glastonbury.
6. Women’s 2017 Cricket World Cup
Another amazing BBC sport rights win this year ensured that every match at the 2017 Women’s World Cup was broadcast live for the first time with radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, whilst the BBC Sport website showed video highlights. If you’re a cricket fan, you can’t help but be bowled over by this news!
7. IAAF World Championships
Back in 2011, the BBC won back the TV sports rights to air the London 2015 & 2017 World Athletics Championships after a six-year gap. The BBC will be the sole UK broadcaster of free to air live coverage of the event which will be held from 4-13 August. Be sure to look out for the British athletes in this year’s championships, including Mo Farah in the men’s 10,000m and Laura Muir in the women’s 1500m. Not to mention the last ever chance to see the fastest man on earth, Usain Bolt, compete before his impending retirement from the sport.
8. 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup
The Women’s 2019 World Cup, which is being held in France, will be broadcast live by the BBC after another stunning tv sports rights win. The tournament was also aired in 2015 when England’s Lionesses made it to the semi-finals. Through the BBC’s TV, radio and digital platforms, viewers will be able to access the tournament in more ways than ever before.
9. The Olympic Games
Across online, television and radio platforms, the BBC will continue broadcasting the Olympic Games until 2024. With the Olympics being such a treasured sporting event all over the world, this really is a great BBC sport rights win. This partnership emphasises the guarantee to make this world class sporting event available to all.
10. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Earlier this year, the BBC announced a new four-year contract and partnership with the RHS, which will see the BBC retaining its position as the exclusive broadcaster of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The BBC will host coverage of the event across TV, radio and online up until the end of 2021.
Contact the Aerial Guys today on 0800 0920222 if you need assistance setting up your TV to ensure that you can enjoy the full range of digital TV services, including all the BBC’s world-class free to air programming.
