Lib Dems demand Government ensure 2026 Commonwealth Games are free-to-air

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

With the Commonwealth Games set to kick off tomorrow in Glasgow, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to ensure that millions of sports fans can watch the events free-to-air.

The Liberal Democrats have today called on the Government to intervene and ensure that the upcoming Commonwealth Games are free-to-air, warning that placing the event behind a paywall (and only giving non-fee-payers the ability to watch the highlights) will shut out millions of sports fans across the country. For the first time in their history, the Commonwealth Games will be behind a paywall. Previously, the Commonwealth Games were fully broadcast free-to-air, with the BBC providing coverage dating back to 1954.

The call comes shortly after a thrilling World Cup that, despite its controversies, once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of major sporting events to ignite national pride and unite communities across the UK.

Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport Spokesperson Anna Sabine MP, said:

“Lisa Nandy is watching in real time as another iconic sporting event is locked behind a paywall, continuing the miserable trend of enshittification that has priced the public out of watching the Champions League, Europa League, Formula 1, and events across cricket, cycling, golf, rugby and tennis.

“Now, the Commonwealth Games, an enduring symbol of global friendship and world-class sport, is joining that unwelcome list. The Liberal Democrats are calling for free-to-air broadcasting rights as a non-negotiable condition for any event receiving taxpayers’ money.

“Moments like these belong to everyone, not just those who can afford yet another monthly subscription. If we are paying for it, we deserve to watch it.”

Connie Ramsay, 2014 Commonwealth Games judo bronze medalist and a Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor, said:

“Competing in the Commonwealth Games and standing on that podium for Scotland was one of the proudest moments of my life. Seeing the live coverage hidden behind a paywall for Glasgow 2026 is a massive blow.

“Sport shouldn't be reserved for those who can afford extra streaming packages, it needs to be visible to inspire the next generation of athletes. We need to keep major sporting moments free-to-air so everyone across Scotland and the country can share in the magic.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The Liberal Democrats previously tabled an amendment to the Sporting Events Bill in the House of Lords to make free-to-air broadcasting a condition to receipt of public financial assistance. See here. 

Connie Ramsay, see here.