BBC Alba will broadcast live coverage and highlights of the Commonwealth Games in Gaelic, it has been confirmed.
From the opening ceremony on July 23 until the closing ceremony on August 2, BBC Alba is to broadcast live – alongside highlights from across Glasgow – in Gaelic.
Leading the coverage will be BBC Alba's commentary team headed by sports presenter Derek “Pluto” Murray, with the broadcaster calling it "a historic opportunity".
The move comes after it was announced that S4C will provide live Welsh-language coverage of the Commonwealth Games for the first time when the event returns to Glasgow this month.
Both partnership deals have been agreed while the event is moving off free-to-air television for the first time after a deal for the English rights was struck with TNT Sports.
While BBC Alba has provided Gaelic coverage of major events like football, rugby and the Olympics opening ceremony, it has not provided a dedicated live Gaelic feed of the Commonwealth Games.
Margaret Mary Murray, head of BBC Gaelic services, said: “This is a historic opportunity for BBC Alba and the Gaelic language to be at the heart of broadcasting a global sporting event to audiences.
"It is a privilege to have the opportunity to showcase the world’s finest athletes competing at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and to bring all the thrills and magic moments to audiences wherever they are.”
Alasdair Fraser, executive producer for BBC Alba, added: "Each evening, we will showcase a wide range of sporting action to suit everyone – from athletics, swimming and cycling.
"With over 3000 athletes from 74 nations and territories, 10 sports and six Para sports, the stage is now set for this incredible event."
Chief executive of Glasgow 2026 Phil Batty said: "BBC Alba joining our broadcast line-up is a brilliant addition to Glasgow 2026.
"These games belong to everyone and that means making sure every community across Scotland can follow the action in a way that feels close to home. Bringing live coverage to audiences through the Gaelic language reflects everything we want this partnership to stand for – a games that’s for everyone."
Jon Doig, Commonwealth Games Scotland chief executive, added: "We're delighted that BBC Alba will be bringing Gaelic-language coverage of Glasgow 2026 to audiences right across Scotland.
"This agreement will help ensure even more people have the opportunity to follow Team Scotland throughout the Games and share in the excitement of a home Commonwealth Games."
How to watch live coverage of the Commonwealth Games in Gaelic
- Sky satellite – 117 (Scotland)/169 (rest of UK)
- Sky Glass/Stream (IPTV platform) – 120 in Scotland, 174 in Eng/Wales, 177 in Northern Ireland
- Virgin Media – 120 (Scotland)/161 (rest of UK)
- Freesat – 109
- Freeview/You View – 7 (Scotland only)
- Freely (Scotland) - 12
- Freely (rest of UK – IPTV only) – 58
