The BBC have lost rights to broadcast the Boat Race, with Channel 4 swooping to agree a five-year deal to cover the annual contest between Oxford and Cambridge.
But the corporation has moved to deny the decision to relinquish one of the most historic sporting events in the British calendar was influenced by its director of sport deeming the famous event to be ‘elitist’.
The Telegraph had claimed sources believed the BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, was ‘lukewarm’ during negotiations.
‘The director of sport showed very little enthusiasm, believing that a showcase for London, the UK and two of our top universities is elitist,’ a source told the publication.
However, when contacted by Daily Mail Sport, the BBC denied Kay-Jelski considers the race ‘elitist’, adding that the decision was based on insufficient return for investment.
It is understood the corporation did not pay for the rights to the race, but funded the broadcast operation, and that production costs have increased while viewing figures have decreased.
‘The BBC has been proud to broadcast the Boat Race over many years,’ a BBC spokesperson told Daily Mail Sport.
‘Our decision not to continue reflects the difficult choices we need to make to ensure we deliver the best value for audiences with the money that we have.
‘We are pleased the Boat Race will remain available free-to-air and wish all involved in the event every success for the future.’
The BBC first broadcast the men’s race in 1938, having previously covered it on radio since 1927.
The corporation lost television rights to ITV from 2005 to 2009, marking an end to 66 years as the broadcaster of the event.
The BBC regained rights in 2010 and has served as the broadcaster since.
When the BBC regained rights from ITV back in 2010, the corporation’s then head of sport, Roger Mosey, described the Boat Race as ‘one of the British sporting institutions’ and admitted it had been ‘painful’ to have previously lost the rights.
‘I know there’ll be people who question the relevance of a event between two ancient universities, but most UK audiences take a broader view,’ Mosey wrote at the time.
‘It’s an epic sporting contest, and one in which the participants push themselves to the limit – with ambitious outside broadcasts able to capture the pressure of every stroke.’
Mosey’s successor, Barbara Slater, described the race as an ‘important part of our sport portfolio’ when their broadcast deal was extended in 2014.
Having taken the rights from the BBC, Channel 4’s head of sport, Pete Andrews, stated the they were ‘thrilled to have secured one of the most iconic amateur sports events in the British calendar.’
‘The Boat Race is rich in tradition and history and British interest in the event has never been stronger,’ Andrews said.
‘We are committed to bringing the very best sports events to our audience, both from the UK and around the globe, and The Boat Race is the perfect example.
‘It’s the crown jewel of the rowing calendar and consistently captures the imagination of the British public year after year, both on the side of the Thames and in living rooms across the country.
‘In recent years, it has delivered some truly unforgettable moments, and we can’t wait to bring that excitement to our viewers next year.’
The Boat Race was first held in 1829 between Cambridge and Oxford universities, with Channel 4’s deal including the bicentenary in 2029.
Channel 4’s agreement will also include the centenary edition of the Women’s Boat Race, which was first held in 1927.
Cambridge have an 88-81 lead all time in the men’s Boat Race, aided by winning six of the past seven editions.
The women’s event also sees Cambridge hold a dominant lead, by 49 victories to 30.
The 2026 edition of the Boat Race, which takes place on the River Thames, will be held on April 4.
