After 35 years as one of the benchmarks in sports broadcasting, Eurosport will disappear from British screens on February 28th. The Eurosport 1 and 2 channels will be merged with TNT Sports, in a restructuring led by Warner Brothers Discovery that promises to simplify access to sports content, although it raises doubts about the future of free-to-air broadcasts.
Scott Young, senior vice president of WBD Sports Europe, said, “Combining Eurosport and TNT Sports content in the UK and Ireland will allow us to offer a unique viewing experience for fans. This move also reinforces our commitment to sports federations and leagues.” However, uncertainty remains over free access to flagship events such as the Tour de France or the Six Nations which kicks off this Friday.
EUROSPORT: A SPORTING LEGACY
Since its launch in 1989 as a co-production between Sky TV and the European Broadcasting Union, Eurosport has established itself as a mainstay of sports coverage in 50 European countries. Although the restructuring will affect only the UK and Ireland, the channels will continue to operate in other regions and share content with TNT Sports, Young explained.
The change is part of WBD’s strategy to position itself as a “fan-centric broadcaster.” After rebranding BT Sport as TNT in 2023, the brand has reached more than 12 million monthly viewers in the U.K. and has achieved milestones such as increasing rugby viewership and delivering encyclopedic-quality Olympic coverage, previously the domain of the BBC.
THE TOUR DE FRANCE AND INNOVATION ON TV
From 2026, TNT Sports will have exclusive rights to the Tour de France, leaving ITV out of the equation. Although some stages will be broadcast on the free-to-air Quest channel, Young said the focus will be on “innovating how the Tour is viewed,” with multiple simultaneous broadcasts to offer a more immersive experience.
This strategy could mark a significant shift in the way fans enjoy one of cycling’s most iconic events. However, the lack of clear commitments to full coverage on free-to-air channels has raised concerns among fans and pundits.
SIX NATIONS IN THE HANDS OF TNT SPORTS?
RugbyPass has reported that TNT could acquire the rights to the Six Nations from 2026, replacing the BBC. This would mean that match highlights would be moved to free-to-air channels, complying with established codes for major sporting events.
Despite these claims, Young was cautious on the matter: “We are definitely considering the Six Nations,” while a TNT spokesperson acknowledged the challenges involved in securing free-to-air coverage in key markets such as Wales and Ireland. This balance between premium content and accessibility will be crucial in defining TNT’s relationship with rugby fans… and all other sports. Concerns about the availability of free-to-air events and the impact on traditional audiences are the big issue in this transition.