The Boat Race 2026 on TV: Channel and live stream
Your complete guide to The Boat Race 2026, including full TV coverage details.
All eyes will be on a 4.2-mile stretch of the River Thames on Saturday as Cambridge and Oxford renew their rivalry in The Boat Race.
Duck egg dominance has been the story in recent years, with Cambridge's rowers in the ascendancy in both the men's and women's events.
The Boat Race, which is fast approaching its 200th anniversary, has become a staple of the British sporting calendar and showcases some serious athletic prowess – with World Championship and Olympic winners representing both sides.
The banks of the Championship Course, which runs between Putney and Mortlake, will be lined with fans but for those with no plans to head to South West London, there will also be extensive coverage of the event.
RadioTimes.com brings you all the details about how to watch The Boat Race live on TV in 2026.
When is The Boat Race 2026?
The Boat Race takes place on Saturday 4 April 2026, with the women's, men's and reserve races starting shortly after 1:20pm.
The Boat Race 2026 on TV and live stream
The Boat Race will be shown live on Channel 4.
BBC have historically been in charge of coverage but from 2026 onwards, Channel 4 is the new home of the event.
Coverage starts at 1:30pm – and will be available on Channel 4, online and on a range of platforms, including mobiles and tablets.
The Boat Race 2026 on radio
You can tune in to listen to coverage of The Boat Race on Times Radio.
BBC Radio has traditionally provided radio coverage of the event but Times Radio has the radio rights through until 2028.
The Boat Race 2026 TV schedule
All UK times. Subject to change.
- 2:21pm – Women's Boat Race
- 2:36pm – Women's Reserve Boat Race
- 2:51pm – Men's Reserve Boat Race
- 3:21pm – Men's Boat Race
What colours are Oxford and Cambridge in the Boat Race?
Oxford traditionally wear dark blue outfits, while Cambridge rowers will don light, 'duck egg' blue.
Who won The Boat Race 2025?
Cambridge won both the men's and women's Boat Race last year to continue their recent dominance.
They finished 16.22 seconds ahead of Oxford in the men's event and 7.72 seconds ahead in the women's race.
Could this be the year that Oxford win back the bragging rights or will Cambridge maintain their supremacy?
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