BBC Sport extends contract to broadcast the Boat Race 2014-2021

The BBC and the Boat Race Company have signed a contract extension which will see both The BNY Mellon Boat Race and The Newton Women’s Boat Race broadcast on the BBC from 2015 until 2021.

2015 marks an historic year as the Women’s Boat Race moves to the Tideway, where crews will compete on the same day and on the same course as the Men’s Race for the first time in history.

The Boat Race is one of the most technical and impressive broadcasting challenges that BBC Sport faces. The continued broadcast support highlights the importance and prestige that the event holds in the world sporting calendar.

The 2014 Boat Race takes place on this Sunday on BBC One from 4.30pm where Clare Balding will be joined by Matthew Pinsent and Helen Skelton.

Director of BBC Sport, Barbara Slater, said: “The Boat Race is an important part of our sport portfolio; combining modern high-quality broadcasting with this most traditional and much-loved competition. We are delighted to announce that we will be bringing full coverage of the Women’s Boat Race to our audiences, from 2015, as it joins the men’s event on the Tideway.”

Commenting on the new contract, David Searle of BRCL, said: “This relationship highlights the global reach that both the BNY Mellon Boat Race and Newton Women’s Boat Race have and the desire to watch the race unfold worldwide. Last year saw in excess of seven million UK TV viewers and many millions more around the world. We are very grateful for all the work the BBC do surrounding the event and are delighted at their continued commitment to Boat Race Day.”