{"id":295738,"date":"2023-10-29T08:12:38","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/?p=295738"},"modified":"2023-10-29T08:12:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:12:38","slug":"bbc-and-itv-could-lose-six-nations-as-chiefs-ready-shake-up-after-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allmysportsnews.com\/rugby-league\/bbc-and-itv-could-lose-six-nations-as-chiefs-ready-shake-up-after-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"BBC and ITV ‘could lose Six Nations’ as chiefs ready shake-up after World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

Borthwick backs Curry after racial slur controversy calling it a ‘World Rugby matter’<\/h3>\n

Fears are growing that the Six Nations may not remain on either BBC or ITV as World Rugby may bundle the TV rights with their new series, the Nations Championship. In 2026, the controversial new competition will commence and could join a package alongside the European competition involving England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy.<\/p>\n

The Telegraph have claimed that the new summer and autumn biannual competition’s creation has opened the door to the possibility of broadcast contracts grouping the Nations Championship with the Six Nations. It could also include club competitions such as the Premiership and Heineken Cup.<\/p>\n

There have long been calls to the UK government that the Six Nations should be added to the \u2018crown jewel\u2019 protected terrestrial TV events alongside the likes of the football World Cup, FA Cup and Wimbledon. However, those pleas have since been resisted and curiously the tournament\u2019s current contract with BBC and ITV ends after the 2025 edition.<\/p>\n

Any such package combining the Six Nations and Nations Championship would likely be sought by BBC and ITV, but insiders have claimed that a new \u2018Rugby Channel\u2019 could be created instead which may also appeal to a growing audience in the US.<\/p>\n

MUST READ <\/strong> England could pocket Rugby World Cup prize money boost with win over Argentina[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Recent reports have also suggested that the World Cup could also be lost by terrestrial TV, after the tournament had been broadcasted by ITV this autumn.<\/p>\n

Several MPs across both parties have called for the Six Nations to remain free-to-air, raising concerns about the pitfalls of streaming despite the government confirming that they have no current plans to review the group A list that protects live coverage of sporting events.<\/p>\n

Committee chairman and Preseli Pembrokeshire Conservative MP Stephen Crabb said: \u201cThe UK Government must address this disparity as a matter of urgency and bring forward the long-awaited Media Bill to ensure new prominence rules can protect the PSBs.<\/p>\n