THE annual rowing race between Oxford and Cambridge will return in 2026, but there is a HUGE change in the broadcasting of the event.
BBC has broadcast the event for almost 100 years, but the iconic boat race has found a new home.
The Boat Race is one of the world’s oldest amateur sporting events, first taking place in 1829 – the women’s race was debuted in 1927.
It pits crews from Oxford and Cambridge University against one another in a unique educational and athletic experience.
Raced on the River Thames, it is a four mile, 374 yard track that stretches between Putney and Mortlake.
In 2025, Cambridge won by five-and-a-half lengths over Oxford, with a time of 16 minutes and 56 seconds.
READ MORE ABOUT THE BOAT RACE
The result moved Cambridge’s all time record to 88-81 in the Men’s Boat Race.
When is the Boat Race 2026?
- The Boat Race will take place on Saturday, April 4.
- The women’s race is scheduled to start at 2.21pm GMT, while the men’s event will begin at 3.21pm GMT.
Where to watch the Boat Race 2026
- Channel 4 will now broadcast the Boat Race after signing a five-year deal last October.
- Coverage will start at 1.30pm GMT and run until 4.30pm.
- The event will also be streamed live for FREE on Channel 4’s streaming platform.
- Alternatively, the event can be followed with SunSport‘s live blog.
Clare Balding, who has been the primary presenter for the race since 2010, will continue to work on the event with the new broadcaster.
Balding will work alongside Ade Adepitan presenting the event, as well as three-time Olympic champion Pete Reed OBE as the main pundit.
Commentator Alex Jacques will be joined by Olympic rowing gold-medallist Martin Cross and Olympic silver-medal rower Jess Eddie on co-commentary.
