Lib Dems demand Government ensure 2026 Commonwealth Games are free-to-air 

With the Commonwealth Games set to kick off tomorrow in Glasgow, the Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to ensure that millions of sports fans can watch the events free-to-air.

The Liberal Democrats have today called on the Government to intervene and ensure that the upcoming Commonwealth Games are free-to-air, warning that placing the event behind a paywall (and only giving non-fee-payers the ability to watch the highlights) will shut out millions of sports fans across the country. For the first time in their history, the Commonwealth Games will be behind a paywall. Previously, the Commonwealth Games were fully broadcast free-to-air, with the BBC providing coverage dating back to 1954.

The call comes shortly after a thrilling World Cup that, despite its controversies, once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of major sporting events to ignite national pride and unite communities across the UK.

Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs Spokesperson, Susan Murray MP, said:

“Lisa Nandy is watching in real time as another iconic sporting event is locked behind a paywall.

“There are a host of Scottish stars in action and the public should be able to follow along with their successes in real time, rather than having to pay through the nose for it.

“The Commonwealth Games is an enduring symbol of global friendship and world-class sport but that reputation will not last if it locked behind a paywall. The Liberal Democrats are calling for free-to-air broadcasting rights as a non-negotiable condition for any event receiving taxpayers’ money.

“Moments like these belong to everyone, not just those who can afford yet another monthly subscription. If we are paying for it, we deserve to watch it.”

Connie Ramsay, 2014 Commonwealth Games judo bronze medalist and a Scottish Liberal Democrat Councillor, said:

“Competing in the Commonwealth Games and standing on that podium for Scotland was one of the proudest moments of my life. Seeing the live coverage hidden behind a paywall for Glasgow 2026 is a massive blow.

“Sport shouldn't be reserved for those who can afford extra streaming packages, it needs to be visible to inspire the next generation of athletes. We need to keep major sporting moments free-to-air so everyone across Scotland and the country can share in the magic.”