UK viewers flicking through the BBC channels and expecting to see coverage of the Rugby League World Cup 2026 are in for quite a shock.
The public service broadcaster has a long history of covering the sport but this autumn’s tournament has become the latest event where it has lost the rights.
The men’s, women’s, wheelchair and physical disability rugby league tournaments are all being played in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November.
England are competing in all four events and will be hoping to bring some silverware home, while Ireland, Scotland and Wales are all represented in the wheelchair competition, and Wales are also competing in the women’s tournament.
But, unlike four years ago, UK fans will not be able to watch their progress on the BBC or on free-to-air TV.
Radio Times breaks down why the Rugby League World Cup 2026 is not on the BBC and if you can watch it for free.
Why isn’t the Rugby League World Cup 2026 on the BBC?
The BBC will not be showing Rugby League World Cup 2026 games as it no longer holds the broadcast rights for the tournament.
The broadcaster has been the traditional home for UK viewers and showed all 61 matches four years ago but did not bid for the rights this time.
Budget cuts have seen the BBC axe shows such as Football Focus and Ski Sunday and lose its place as the UK broadcaster for major tournaments like the Commonwealth Games and Rugby League World Cup.
Premier Sports, who had the rights in 2013 and 2017, has taken over as the exclusive broadcaster of the Rugby League World Cup 2026.
The platform will show all 18 men’s World Cup matches live, England matches from the women’s and wheelchair tournaments, as well as the semi-finals and finals from both those tournaments. A subscription, which starts at £12.99 per month, is required.
CEO of Premier Sports Richard Sweeney said: “We are delighted to be bringing the Rugby League World Cup back to Premier Sports viewers.
“This is one of the major events in the international sporting calendar and we are looking forward to showing every match from the men’s tournament live, alongside extensive coverage of the IRL Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments.”
Can you watch the Rugby League World Cup 2026 for free?
No. As things stand, none of the games from the Rugby League World Cup 2026 are available to watch for free in the UK.
However, a report from The Sun suggests the final, which is scheduled for Sunday 15 November, could be shown on terrestrial TV if England reach the final of this autumn’s tournament.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy has urged the sport’s governing body, International Rugby League, to do a deal that ensures at least some games will be shown on free-to-air TV but as yet, no such agreement has been announced.
She said: “Rugby league is a source of pride and identity that brings communities together across the country.
“As a fan myself, I wholeheartedly share fans’ disappointment that the upcoming World Cup will not be on free-to-air television. I urge the International Rugby League to work with UK free-to-air broadcasters, so the millions of fans can follow the tournament.”
Premier Sports has exclusive live broadcast rights for the Rugby League World Cup 2026, which begins on 15 October. Subscriptions start at £12.99 per month.
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