The BBC has secured a sub-licensing agreement with DAZN to broadcast eight Serie A fixtures live on its BBC Alba Scots Gaelic-language network and BBC iPlayer for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, beginning with Bologna’s 2-1 victory over Torino on February 15.
The deal focuses on the record number of Scottish players currently competing in Italy’s top flight – seven in total. Among them are Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay, both key players for defending champions Napoli. The other Scottish players in Serie A are Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Che Adams (Torino), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), and Kieron Bowie (Hellas Verona).
The seven players collectively have 164 caps for the Scotland national team. With Scotland qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 for the first time since 1998, the BBC’s decision to increase coverage of its players in Serie A is likely motivated by anticipated public interest, according to sources familiar with the broadcaster’s strategy.
DAZN acquired exclusive rights to eight matches per gameweek ahead of the current season, with TNT Sports broadcasting the remaining two. This latest agreement with the BBC adds a Gaelic-language commentary option for select matches, while DAZN will continue to offer English-language broadcasts.
This is the latest in a series of soccer rights acquisitions for the BBC since Alex Kay-Jelski became head of sport in 2024. In November 2025, the BBC secured rights to LaLiga highlights until 2027 and retained its highlights package for the UEFA Champions League through the 2027-31 cycle. Prior to that, the broadcaster secured rights to Friday night matches from the German Bundesliga through 2027 and a five-year deal to air live matches from UEFA’s Women’s Champions League starting in the 2025-26 season.
Billy Gilmour’s move to Napoli in August 2024 followed a period of adjustment, as he revealed experiencing a “culture shock” upon arriving in Italy, particularly with the language. He noted the importance of adapting to the tactical demands of Serie A, describing it as a league requiring a high level of tactical awareness. According to reports from May 2025, Gilmour was overcoming these initial challenges and contributing to Napoli’s pursuit of the Scudetto.
Despite his initial absence from some Napoli lineups, as reported by The Scotsman in February 2026, Gilmour has become a fixture in the team, currently holding the number 6 shirt. The reasons for his occasional omission remain unclear, with Italian journalist Francesco Modugno of Sky Sport Italy noting Conte’s previous desire to sign Gilmour.
