Starting in 2026, Warner Bros. Discovery will hold exclusive UK broadcasting rights for the men’s and women’s Tour de France. Currently, the competition airs on both Warner Bros. Discovery channels and ITV, with live coverage and highlights available on ITV4. However, from 2026, cycling fans in the UK will need a subscription to the soon-to-launch Max streaming service or Eurosport to watch the races live. This exclusive arrangement will extend through at least 2030.

In partnership with the EBU and race organizers ASO and Unipublic, Warner Bros. Discovery will broadcast the event across Europe. Free-to-air coverage will remain accessible through EBU partners in countries including Belgium, Italy, Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland. Additionally, the Tour de France Femmes will air exclusively in Norway and Ireland.

WBD’s European broadcast package also includes exclusive rights to prestigious Classics, such as Paris-Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and La Flèche Wallonne, as well as stage races like Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, and Volta a Catalunya. Starting in 2026, this coverage will be exclusive in the UK.

Eurosport channels will deliver live broadcasts for each race, while Max subscribers across Europe can access uninterrupted streaming. Commentary will be offered in up to 20 languages, with on-site insights and expert analysis from Eurosport studios in select markets.

The Tour de France on UK TV

Channel 4 first began broadcasting the Tour de France in the UK in 1985, becoming the race’s iconic UK home for almost two decades. At a time when cycling coverage was limited, Channel 4 brought a new level of excitement and accessibility to British audiences. The coverage was distinguished by its unique production style, including compelling highlights packages and expert commentary. The team, led by Phil Liggett and later joined by Paul Sherwen, became synonymous with the event, delivering memorable commentary that captured both the drama and the beauty of the race.

Channel 4’s coverage helped popularize the sport of cycling in the UK, showcasing legendary riders like Miguel Induráin, Greg LeMond, and Lance Armstrong, as well as emerging British talent. The broadcast also highlighted the grueling nature of the Tour and the stunning landscapes of France, attracting a loyal audience over the years.

After Channel 4 ceased broadcasting the race in 2001, ITV took over the UK rights, but Channel 4’s early involvement left a lasting legacy. The network’s innovative and passionate coverage was pivotal in building a UK fanbase for the Tour de France, and it remains fondly remembered by cycling enthusiasts to this day.