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BBC Alba has acquired the rights to broadcast Gaelic-language coverage of the Commonwealth Games later this month.
The BBC has traditionally been the host broadcaster for the Games but has lost the rights this year to pay-TV, with TNT Sports and HBO Max taking over as exclusive live broadcasters in the English language.
5 will show a daily highlights programme during the Games but will have no live coverage in its schedules.
Last week S4C inked a deal for Welsh-language live coverage and now BBC Alba has made a similar agreement for the benefit of Gaelic speakers.
While both S4C and BBC Alba are broadcast free UK-wide, it is understood that neither of them will make an English language commentary available to viewers in order to preserve the integrity of TNT’s deal.
BBC Alba’s coverage will comprise live action in the evenings only, alongside highlights of key moments from the day’s events.
“This is a historic opportunity for BBC ALBA and the Gaelic language to be at the heart of broadcasting a global sporting event to audiences,” said Margaret Mary Murray, head of BBC Gaelic Services.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to showcase the world’s finest athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and to bring all the thrills and magic moments to audiences wherever they are.”
This year’s Games take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 2.
