BBC in last-minute U-turn over decision to show major sport event for free as Great Britain aim to make history
THE BBC have performed a last minute U-turn and are showing the America’s Cup.
This weekend’s sailing action between Great Britain and New Zealand in Barcelona looked set to be unavailable on free-to-air TV.
The BBC were reportedly offered the chance to show the event for FREE but still failed to reach an agreement.
Reports from The Telegraph claim they had an issue with branding on the live feed’s transition.
This year’s America’s Cup is sponsored by Louis Vuitton.
But in the 11th hour, the BBC reached an agreement and they are now showing the battle for the Auld Mug.
Fans can watch on the iPlayer, Red Button, BBC website or app.
A spokesperson for the America’s Cup told The Telegraph: “We are very happy that BBC is taking the live feed of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup racing.
“It will be an historical event no matter whether Ineos Britannia win the America’s Cup for the first time in 173 years, or Emirates Team New Zealand can win it for the 3rd time in a row.
“It is great that the UK will be able to watch the racing free and live on BBC.”
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The match will also be shown live on TNT Sports and on YouTube.
Former Olympic champion Ben Ainslie leads the British team this weekend.
They are backed by Ineos, the business Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns.