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Original poster

AIBU to be fed up with complaints about paying to watch the Commonwealth Games

65 replies

HelloDenise · 24/07/2026 23:14

Yes I get it's frustrating and annoying that the BBC aren't showing the Commonwealth Games. I'm annoyed myself.

I have Amazon Prime and have subscribed to HBO Max for £5.99. Sky subscribers can do the same for £8.99. I'll cancel when it's over.

Given that most people have Sky, AIBU to be fed up of all the grumbling I've seen? It's the price of a couple of coffees, cheaper than two pints or glasses of wine, much cheaper than 20 fags. Cheaper than Lindt chocolate truffles or a pizza.

I'm fed up of hearing "why should I pay? I've paid for a TV licence." Well you can't want to see it that much then.

OP posts:
RichardMarxisinnocent · 25/07/2026 10:10

ChickenBananaBanana · 24/07/2026 23:25

Do most people have sky?

Yeah i was doubtful about that.
You don't actually need to have Sky though, you can subscribe direct to HBO max, or through other providers (such as Prime as the OP says) so not sure why the OP even mentioned about people having Sky.

Springtimeinsunshine · 25/07/2026 10:06

I didn't even know it was on as I usually find things to watch by channel hopping. As for paying extra to watch it my budget is already tight. I probably buy a coffee once a year, no takeout or pub meals etc.

I agree with a pp though, I would have preferred my TV licence money had gone to buying these rights rather than the vast salaries of non entities like the presenters of MOTD or radio.

echt · 25/07/2026 09:51

It's free in Australia on 7plus, but bet it's FULL of ads.

Myskyscolour · 25/07/2026 09:45

Burritoplease · 25/07/2026 08:13

I think less than 50% of households have Sky so that point you raise is wrong. Also many people can’t afford to eat so an additional cost for a subscription is not going to happen.

unfortunately this makes sport an elitist thing. Many kids from families who can’t afford Sky etc won’t get the opportunity to watch all those amazing sports and athletes and get inspired. It’s also a shame for the athletes as less people will watch them compete.

I wish people thought outside of their own situation before making these statements.

Amazon prime video then? I don’t get the cost argument as prime + netflix (for example) would be cheaper than a tv licence - even with the extra subscription to see the commonwealth games

AuntieBiotics · 25/07/2026 09:39

ChimpanzeeThatMonkeyNews · 25/07/2026 09:16

I don’t know why the BBC couldn’t use iPlayer like they do during the Olympics?

It’s really clever, particularly when there’s a time difference, which is irrelevant at the moment.

Because the BBC don't have the broadcast rights.

oohgoodcupofteanicky · 25/07/2026 09:28

Anarchy99 · 25/07/2026 08:50

I suppose they will just have to console themselves with the Olympics and every other sporting event broadcast on BBC/ITV then.

If the parents can’t afford to eat, then I don’t imagine they will be too bothered about missing the Commonwealth games.

Show quote history

What a sneery comment

ChimpanzeeThatMonkeyNews · 25/07/2026 09:16

I don’t know why the BBC couldn’t use iPlayer like they do during the Olympics?

It’s really clever, particularly when there’s a time difference, which is irrelevant at the moment.

AuntieBiotics · 25/07/2026 09:13

I don't care enough to pay to watch it, but I'm not complaining about it. I think BBC Alba has some coverage in Gaelic but that may not matter if you understand the sport well enough and don't care about the commentary.

ShanghaiDiva · 25/07/2026 09:12

ChickenBananaBanana · 24/07/2026 23:25

Do most people have sky?

No, they don’t.

Moreholidaysthanjudithchalmers · 25/07/2026 09:10

My elderly mum usually enjoys things like this but doesn’t have sky/prime or internet just regular tv.

Poppinpoppinpopcorn · 25/07/2026 08:55

Most people don't have sky. I have now TV and hbo is in with the price so I don't pay any extra to watch the common wealth games. But I agree it should be on BBC.

Anarchy99 · 25/07/2026 08:50

Burritoplease · 25/07/2026 08:13

I think less than 50% of households have Sky so that point you raise is wrong. Also many people can’t afford to eat so an additional cost for a subscription is not going to happen.

unfortunately this makes sport an elitist thing. Many kids from families who can’t afford Sky etc won’t get the opportunity to watch all those amazing sports and athletes and get inspired. It’s also a shame for the athletes as less people will watch them compete.

I wish people thought outside of their own situation before making these statements.

I suppose they will just have to console themselves with the Olympics and every other sporting event broadcast on BBC/ITV then.

If the parents can’t afford to eat, then I don’t imagine they will be too bothered about missing the Commonwealth games.

BirdLandedonmyHead · 25/07/2026 08:24

For people short of money, the TV license is not the best value way if watching TV. Its 3xs the cost of Prime, Disney, Netflix etc

INeedAnotherAlibi · 25/07/2026 08:22

Google suggests about 6-10 million households in the UK have sky and if the total population is 69.5 it’s actually only up to about 7%..
It does mean it’s less accessible. There are many households in the UK counting every single penny. I’m okay now but a couple of years ago things were extremely tight for me post-divorce and I could not afford prime, sky or any kind of extra luxuries like paying for top up fees for sports.

oohgoodcupofteanicky · 25/07/2026 08:21

I didn’t even realise it was on!

EverMissWicklowSometimes · 25/07/2026 08:18

Most people do not have Sky! I don't and I don't think I know anyone who does.

Burritoplease · 25/07/2026 08:13

I think less than 50% of households have Sky so that point you raise is wrong. Also many people can’t afford to eat so an additional cost for a subscription is not going to happen.

unfortunately this makes sport an elitist thing. Many kids from families who can’t afford Sky etc won’t get the opportunity to watch all those amazing sports and athletes and get inspired. It’s also a shame for the athletes as less people will watch them compete.

I wish people thought outside of their own situation before making these statements.

UniquePinkSwan · 25/07/2026 08:02

Didn’t know it was on tbh

Gengha · 25/07/2026 08:02

Oh I didn’t know it was only £5.99 on Amazon prime, I’ll sort that today!

HelpMeGetThrough · 25/07/2026 08:00

HelloDenise · 25/07/2026 07:50

It's not goady at all or triggering. What other comparators would you have preferred?

Show quote history

Toblerone.

concertinacornflake · 25/07/2026 07:57

CombatBarbie · 25/07/2026 01:02

I think its piss poor as a host nation its not on a standard channel.

This.

Perhaps the late switch of host country had an impact on the broadcasting decisions?

concertinacornflake · 25/07/2026 07:56

HelloDenise · 24/07/2026 23:14

Yes I get it's frustrating and annoying that the BBC aren't showing the Commonwealth Games. I'm annoyed myself.

I have Amazon Prime and have subscribed to HBO Max for £5.99. Sky subscribers can do the same for £8.99. I'll cancel when it's over.

Given that most people have Sky, AIBU to be fed up of all the grumbling I've seen? It's the price of a couple of coffees, cheaper than two pints or glasses of wine, much cheaper than 20 fags. Cheaper than Lindt chocolate truffles or a pizza.

I'm fed up of hearing "why should I pay? I've paid for a TV licence." Well you can't want to see it that much then.

Under half of UK households subscribe to Sky, so most people don't have it.

Commonwealth Games should be on the BBC so everyone can access it.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 25/07/2026 07:52

CombatBarbie · 25/07/2026 01:02

I think its piss poor as a host nation its not on a standard channel.

Scotland is hosting and it’s on BBC Alba.

Original poster
HelloDenise · 25/07/2026 07:50

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It's not goady at all or triggering. What other comparators would you have preferred?

OP posts:
HoskinsChoice · 25/07/2026 07:46

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