The move follows WST’s landmark sub-licensing agreement, shifting major tournaments over to Channel 5 and its streaming network, 5Action. Under the partnership, ITV Sport Production handles all on-site match host broadcasts, bringing high-definition coverage and expert analysis to Channel 5 viewers.
Addressing the expansion outside of ITV’s native network, ITV Sport Production Managing Director Mark Demuth stated:
“We are thrilled to partner with 5 on their snooker coverage, an exciting new venture bringing prestigious WST events live to mainstream TV. This marks a pivotal moment for ITV Sport Production, as we strategically expand beyond the ITV network and leverage our production expertise to produce diverse sporting content for all broadcast platforms, starting with Channel 5.”
Live Broadcast Schedule & Viewer Guide
The expanded rights package guarantees extensive afternoon and evening coverage across terrestrial television, complemented by digital streaming options via 5Action, My5, and Pluto TV.
Daily coverage of the British Open at The Centaur in Cheltenham runs from Monday, August 31 through Sunday, September 6, 2026:
Afternoon Sessions (12:30 PM – 5:30 PM BST): Live daily on Channel 5 and streaming via My5.
Evening Sessions (6:30 PM – 11:00 PM BST): Live daily on 5Action and Channel 5.
Table 2 Streaming (Live Snooker Extra): Available from 1:00 PM BST daily during the opening five days (August 31 – September 4) via the Live TV rail on My5 and Pluto TV.
Key Fixtures & Star Players
The opening day features held-over Round 1 matches, with top-ranked stars taking to the table:
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Mateusz Baranowski
Shaun Murphy vs. Reanne Evans
Mark Williams vs. David Gilbert
The tournament progresses through to the quarter-finals on Friday, September 4, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday, September 5, and the best-of-19 frame final on Sunday, September 6. All live broadcasts will be available on demand via the My5 streaming platform immediately following each session.
The post Channel 5 expands its sports broadcasting presence by taking over live free-to-air UK coverage for flagship World Snooker Tour (WST) ranking events, including the British Open, Players Championship, and Tour Championship. first appeared on Here For Sport.