BBC Alba to air Commonwealth Games for free…in Gaelic

Turns out the fast approaching Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will be broadcast on the BBC after all.

In a last minute compromise, the Commonwealth Games Federation has announced that BBC Alba will air live nightly coverage in the Gaelic language for the duration of the Games, including the opening ceremony.

It’s set to be the first time ever that Commonwealth Games will be covered in Gaelic, as Gaelic speakers missed out last time around back in 2014.

Phil Batty OBE, head of Glasgow 2026 says: “BBC ALBA joining our broadcast line-up is a brilliant addition to Glasgow 2026. These Games belong to everyone and that means making sure every community across Scotland can follow the action in a way that feels close to home. Bringing live coverage to audiences through the Gaelic language reflects everything we want this partnership to stand for - a Games that’s for everyone.”

TNT Sport gained UK rights to the Commonwealth Games last December.

It would’ve been the first time since 1954 that the BBC hadn’t broadcast the Games in any capacity.

S4C will provide live coverage in the Welsh language following a successful trial at the last Games in Birmingham.

Viewers in the rest of the UK will have to watch on TNT Sports or HBO Max, while Channel 5 will be providing a nightly highlights show produced by TNT.

Glasgow 2026 kicks off with a spectacular opening ceremony at The Hydro on 23rd July.