A FREEVIEW channel is set to receive a major boost in February as part of a major shake-up in UK sports broadcasting.
The overhaul has come about after the closure of two beloved channels.
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Eurosport is leaving the UK after 35 years on-air, in a sad loss for Sky and Virgin Media customers – but it stands to benefit those with Freeview.
While much of Eurosport’s programming will move to the paid TNT Sports channels, some will go to the free-to-air Quest channel.
The brands are all owned by Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) which announced the closure of Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 earlier this week.
As part of the move, Quest will air every MotoGP Sprint race.
The channel will also host a new weekly cycling show, as well as highlights of the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta a España.
Meanwhile, WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young has said “parts” of the Tour de France will be shown on Quest too.
The changes are set to come into effect on February 28, when Eurosport will close down.
While the long-running brand will disappear from screens in the UK, it will continue to exist in other European markets.
It’s not been confirmed exactly which sports will move to TNT but it’s believed favourites like tennis will shift.
To access TNT Sports channels you’ll either need to pay £30 extra on top of a Sky or Virgin subscription, or subscribe to Discovery+ Premium which costs £31.
Elsewhere, reports suggest TNT may acquire the rights to the Six Nations from the BBC.
Highlight packages would remain on terrestrial TV as the competition is classed as a listed event.
WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young confirmed they are “looking” at Six Nations but said a deal will prove “very challenging”.
Quest can be found on Freeview channel 12, Sky channel 144 and Virgin channel 169.
You can also sign up for a free version of Discovery+ which allows you to stream Quest live.
Even more changes expected soon
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Broadcasting is going through an almighty shift at the moment with the push toward streaming at a key point.
Despite this latest move, Discovery+’s days are likely numbered.
The streaming service has closed in several countries already to make way for a replacement, Max, bringing HBO and Discovery content under one roof.
The UK is one of the few big markets where Max hasn’t launched yet because of existing agreements with Sky, allowing Sky Atlantic to air big HBO-made hits like Game of Thrones and The White Lotus.
But the pair recently announced a new deal that will pave the way for Max’s launch in the UK early 2026 as a standalone app, while Sky customers will get access at no extra cost.
So expect even bigger changes in the TV and streaming world next year.
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