Sky Italia Secures Six Nations Rights for 2026
Milan, Italy – Sky Italia has renewed its broadcasting rights agreement for the Six Nations Championship, extending coverage through the 2026 season. The deal encompasses all matches featuring the six European nations – England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales - and also expanded content including contests against leading Southern Hemisphere teams.
This renewal provides Sky Italia viewers access to a broadened portfolio of international rugby, showcasing not only the Six Nations but also matches against South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina from the Rugby Championship. Fiji and Japan will also be featured, adding further global competition to Sky Italia’s lineup. The acquisition strengthens Sky italia’s position as a key broadcaster of rugby union, complementing its existing rights to the United Rugby Championship and France’s Top 14 league.
Notably, the agreement differs from recent deals secured by Six Nations Rugby in other territories. While broadcasters in the UK, Ireland, and France have committed to coverage through the 2026-29 cycle, Sky italia’s renewal currently covers only the 2026 season. Earlier this year, the BBC and ITV secured joint rights in the UK, while S4C, RTE, and Virgin Media extended their coverage in Wales and Ireland, respectively, all through 2029. France Télévisions also retained its rights for the entire cycle.
The limited term of the Sky Italia deal suggests potential future negotiations for a longer-term agreement, mirroring the extended commitments made in other key European markets. This renewal ensures Italian rugby fans continued access to premier international competition as the sport continues to grow in popularity.
