BBC commits UK£160 million to renew Six Nations rights

23 November 2011 | Posted in Broadcast, Rugby, Europe | By David Cushnan

The BBC has retained the UK broadcast rights to the Six Nations rugby union tournament until 2017. The new deal, believed to be worth in the region of UK£40 million a year, will not kick in until 2014 when the BBC's current deal expires.

The BBC, currently in the midst of major budget cuts that have already seen it lose the exclusive UK rights to Formula One, had earmarked the Six Nations as a key contract alongside Wimbledon, for which it signed a new contract last month.

It is believed Sky was in the market for the Six Nations rights, which is likely to have raised the annual sum the BBC bid for the 15-game annual competition. The rights package covers television, radio, online and interactive.

"We're delighted that we can continue to bring the tournament to our audiences," said BBC director of sport Barbara Slater.

"Viewing figures continue to grow year on year and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Six Nations to build interest even further through the BBC's unparalleled offering of TV, radio, online and interactive services."

John Feehan, chief executive of the Six Nations, added: "'We are delighted that BBC Sport will maintain, extend and enhance its coverage of the RBS Six Nations, the world's biggest annual rugby tournament, for a further four years to March 2017."

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