A MAJOR sporting tournament could be set to come off free-to-air TV for the first time in its history.
Broadcasters have been told it will cost £100million to secure the rights to the event once the current deal expires.
The new price represents a £10million increase from the four-year contract which runs out in March.
As a result, the event could leave free-to-air TV ahead of the start of the 2026 edition.
The event at risk is the Six Nations, with the Daily Mail reporting its future on the BBC is in doubt.
A tender process is due to begin imminently after the BBC admitted they would struggle to afford the new price tag.
Their current deal from 2021 to 2025 was priced at £90million, but will come to and end after next year’s tournament.
TNT Sports currently appear the most likely destination for the Six Nations once a new broadcaster is decided.
They already have deals in place for the Premiership and autumn internationals.
Meanwhile, a possible joint deal with ITV has also been reported, allowing some matches to remain on free-to-air TV.
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The report adds that there are currently no plans to force the Six Nations to be offered to free-to-air broadcasters.
It comes after calls to make the tournament a category A event, meaning it would have to be put to the BBC, ITV or Channel 4.
Instead, it remains a category B event and can be on subscription services such as TNT Sports.
Highlights must be offered on free-to-air channels, though, even if matches are not broadcast live.
The 2025 Six Nations is set to get underway on January 31 with a clash between France and Wales in Paris.
Ireland are the current defending champions after winning their 16th title earlier this year.
