Tour de France Highlights to Air Free on Channel 5 in UK, TNT Sports Announces Deal

A recent agreement between TNT Sports and Channel 5 will bring daily highlights of the Tour de France to free-to-air television in the United Kingdom this July. This collaboration extends until 2028, ensuring that viewers can watch summaries of the Tour, alongside the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España, presented by Rebecca Charlton. Furthermore, Channel 5 will provide live coverage of the 2027 UK Grands Départs for both the men's and women's Tour de France events. The daily highlights are scheduled for 7 PM each evening, commencing Saturday, July 4th, in Barcelona.

This broadcasting arrangement signifies a notable change in how the Tour de France is made available to the public. For the first time in several decades, live, comprehensive coverage of the event will not be freely accessible on television. In 2025, it was confirmed that ITV would no longer be broadcasting the Tour, as exclusive UK rights were acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), the parent company of TNT Sports. While live coverage will continue on TNT Sports and HBO Max, requiring a paid subscription, the availability of free highlights on Channel 5 aims to broaden the audience reach. Scott Young, EVP at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, emphasized the importance of a free-to-air component for the sport.

The deal was finalized after a competitive tender process, with highlights for the Tour and Vuelta secured until 2028, and the Giro until 2029. Reemah Sakaan, president of Channel 5, expressed enthusiasm for adding prestigious cycling events to their sports portfolio, highlighting their commitment to delivering top-tier sporting content to a wide audience. This partnership aligns with a strategy to provide comprehensive access to cycling across various platforms, engaging both dedicated fans and new viewers with the sport's compelling narratives and athletic excellence.

This initiative not only expands the reach of elite cycling to a broader audience but also highlights the evolving landscape of sports broadcasting, balancing premium subscription services with accessible free-to-air content. By making highlights readily available, new generations of fans can discover the excitement and drama of Grand Tour racing, fostering a deeper appreciation for the sport and its athletes.