The BBC has brought an end to its 47-year association with the World Indoor Bowls Championship, dropping the competition from its schedule.
The corporation’s coverage stretches back to the championship’s inception in 1979 and has been instrumental in raising the profile of indoor bowls over nearly five decades.
Confirming the departure, a BBC spokesman said: “The financial challenges facing the BBC mean we have to make some difficult decisions to protect our future.”
The broadcaster expressed pride in its long-standing relationship with the event, adding: “We wish the Tour and event all the success for the future.”
Losing such a prominent platform is expected to hinder the sport’s development and will come as a blow to both players and supporters.
Despite the BBC’s withdrawal, the World Bowls Tour has confirmed that key sponsors remain firmly on board.
Both Potters Resorts and Ambassador Cruise Line have pledged to continue backing the championship going forward.
The BBC has dropped its coverage of the World Indoor Bowls Championship
| BBC
The 2027 edition of the Ambassador Cruise Line World Bowls Indoor Championships will take place at Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea, Norfolk, marking the venue’s 29th consecutive year as host.
Gordon Nardini, Chief Marketing Officer of Ambassador Cruise Line, said: “We are fully committed to ensuring the continued success and long-term future of this prestigious championship.”
Marc Jones, Strategic Marketing Director of Potters Resorts, acknowledged that the BBC’s “contribution to the sport over many years should not be underestimated”.
The BBC has shown the event for 47 years
| GETTY
To bridge the gap while a permanent television deal is completed, organisers have outlined plans to stream all matches free of charge on YouTube, Facebook, and a purpose-built website, ensuring fans unable to attend in person can still follow the action.
Events manager Gordon Woods said: “We are actively exploring opportunities to secure a new broadcast partner.”
In the meantime, the World Bowls Tour is reportedly investing heavily in upgrading its streaming equipment to deliver a high-quality viewing experience across digital platforms.
The BBC cited financial reasons for its decision
| PA
The budget cuts have impacted other parts of the BBC’s coverage, with the corporation facing mounting criticism on two fronts over fears that its football coverage is being eroded.
Warnings have emerged that Match of the Day itself risks sliding into decline – much as Football Focus did – if the broadcaster continues to prioritise cost savings over programme quality.
The twin controversies come as the BBC pursues a target of saving £500million over three years, a drive that has already claimed several well-known programmes.
Critics fear the corporation’s flagship football output could become the next casualty, with top pundits potentially lured away to rival platforms if standards are allowed to slip.