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TF1 to Air Nine 2026 Six Nations Matches as France Télévisions Offloads Rights

France Télévisions says the one-year resale is an exceptional measure driven by severe 2026 budget constraints.

Overview

  • The agreement announced on January 6 gives TF1 broadcast and TF1+ streaming rights to nine fixtures, including Wales v France on February 15 and Scotland v France on March 7.
  • France Télévisions retains six games, keeping the French home fixtures: France v Ireland on February 5, France v Italy on February 22, and France v England on March 14.
  • The public broadcaster cites very strong budget pressure in 2026 and overlapping Winter Olympics scheduling, with no financial terms disclosed.
  • Press reports link the decision to a wider savings plan of about €150 million even though France Télévisions holds exclusive Six Nations rights through 2029.
  • TF1 presents the deal as bolstering its rugby offering with matches on TF1 and TF1+, complementing its rights to the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2026 and 2028 Nations competitions, after the 2025 finale drew 9.8 million viewers.