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BBC Alba to screen Glasgow Commonwealth Games with nightly live coverage

News imageGetty Images Gold medalist Elsabeth Black of Canada competes in the Women's Beam Final at SSE Hydro during day nine of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in August 2014.Getty Images
BBC Alba said it would announce more details on the timings of its coverage closer to the start of the games later this month

BBC Alba is to screen nightly live coverage and highlights throughout the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The Gaelic broadcaster will be the only place on the BBC where viewers can watch events after TNT Sports secured the rights to be the Games' live UK broadcast partner.

The subscription channel outbid the BBC, which had been the main partner and provided free-to-air coverage since 1954 for 18 Games in a row.

BBC Alba said details on its broadcast times and programming would be announced closer to the start of Glasgow 2026. The channel's Gaelic-language coverage will also be available on BBC iPlayer.

Taking place from 23 July to 2 August, the Games' 10 sports and six para sports include 3x3 wheelchair basketball, swimming, artistic gymnastics, athletics, bowls, netball and track cycling.

More than 3,000 athletes from 74 nations are set to take part.

Glasgow last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

BBC Alba broadcasts programmes in Gaelic including on current affairs, children's entertainment and drama.

Earlier this year, it showed a package of eight live Serie A football matches showcasing Italy-based Scots as they prepared for this summer's World Cup.

BBC Alba said it would be providing Gaelic-language Commonwealth Games coverage from the opening to the closing ceremonies.

Presenter Derek Murray will head up its commentary team.

Margaret Mary Murray, head of BBC Gaelic Services, said: "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.

"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."

Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said BBC Alba was a "brilliant addition" to the games.

He said: "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."

News imageGetty Images Usain Bolt is wearing colourful yellow, black and green running kit while striking a pose on a running track. Getty Images
Jamaica's Usain Bolt poses after winning the men's 4 x 100m relay athletics event when Glasgow hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2014

In December, it emerged the BBC had been replaced by TNT Sports as live UK broadcast partner for Glasgow 2026.

The channel is part of Warner Bros Discovery and is best known for screening Uefa Champions League matches as well as selected English Premier League fixtures.

The BBC said it was "unable to match" TNT's bid to screen the games.

TNT Sports said it would show more than 600 hours of live coverage.

The broadcaster said every event would be streamed on HBO Max.