The BBC has seen several major sporting events disappear from its television schedule, with England's Six Nations matches among its most significant losses.
The corporation has faced growing competition from ITV, Channel 4 and subscription broadcasters for some of Britain's best-known sporting occasions.
And the changes have continued throughout 2026.
From the Six Nations to the Boat Race, several familiar fixtures have found new television homes.
BBC loses England Six Nations matches
One of the biggest changes came when ITV secured exclusive UK television coverage of every England men's Six Nations match.
The agreement began in 2026 and runs until 2029.
It means supporters will not see Steve Borthwick's side playing live Six Nations rugby on the BBC during that period.
The corporation still broadcasts five men's Championship matches each season, involving Scotland and Wales.
Responding to the agreement in March 2025, BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski said:
"This deal is fantastic news for rugby and the BBC, keeping the sport accessible for as many people as possible."
The full announcement can be read on BBC Sport.
Other major sporting events BBC has lost
The Six Nations is far from the only change.
1. The Boat Race
Channel 4 took over coverage of the historic Oxford-Cambridge contest in 2026, ending its latest spell on the BBC.
2. Women's FA Cup
Channel 4 and TNT Sports secured the broadcasting rights, replacing the BBC.
3. Commonwealth Games
The main English-language live television rights for Glasgow 2026 went to Warner Bros. Discovery.
4. Formula 1
The BBC's live television coverage ended after 2015, with Sky Sports now the main UK broadcaster.
5. The Open Championship
Live coverage of golf's famous major moved to Sky Sports after decades on the BBC.
6. Grand National
Another former BBC institution, with live coverage now on ITV.
Another BBC sporting programme disappears
The changes have not been limited to broadcasting rights.
In September 2026, the BBC discontinued its weekly Women's Football Show.
The broadcaster insisted it remained committed to women's football, with highlights moving towards digital platforms.
Meanwhile, ITV has strengthened its rugby portfolio by securing the Nations Championship, alongside its Six Nations and PREM coverage.
The BBC still holds major sporting rights, including Wimbledon and the Olympics.
But for England rugby supporters, one of the most noticeable changes is already here.
Their Six Nations matches are now firmly in ITV's hands.
