This post is a collaboration with TV Licensing (a trademark of the BBC), but all thoughts and experiences are my own.

There’s something magical about live sports. The raw energy, the unpredictability, the sheer athleticism—it’s all incredibly exciting. But while being in the stadium or by the racecourse has its perks, there isn’t anything quite like watching live sports on TV at home. It definitely brings a unique thrill of its own. Imagine cheering for your favourite athlete in a triathlon, cycling event, or athletics competition right from the comfort of your sofa. I love this so here’s why watching live sports on TV is an experience like no other.

Comfort and Convenience

First and foremost, the comfort of home is unbeatable. No need to brave the British weather (where is our summer?!), fight through crowds, worry about finding your seat, or even worse, have an obstructed view. You can relax in your lounge, teamed with your favourite snacks at hand, and enjoy the event without any of the usual hassles. Plus, you get the best view, with multiple camera angles and instant replays to ensure you don’t miss a second of the action.

Witness Iconic Moments as They Happen – Mo Farrah in Rio Winning Three Gold Medals

Athletics events, from the primetime 100-metres to the marathon, bring pure, unfiltered excitement.

The electric atmosphere of a packed stadium, the heart-pounding tension before the start, and the jubilation at the finish line are all perfectly captured on TV. You can feel the athletes’ emotions, their determination, and their triumphs. And with the bonus of instant replays, you can relive those jaw-dropping moments over and over again. That was definitely the case when Mo Farrah became the first Briton to take home three gold medals at the Rio Olympics. During this event, it all became a very nail-biting situation when Mo fell on the track, but immediately got back up and managed to climb his way forward to win the 10,000-metre race.

Triathlon: A Test of Endurance and Grit – The Brownlee Brothers At 2012 Olympics

Triathlon and cycling events, for me, are particularly captivating on TV. After seeing the British triathlon live at the Commonwealth Games, absolutely loving it but wishing I could see more, watching sport live at home became a must. The combination of swimming, cycling, and running pushes athletes to their limits, and watching them transition seamlessly from one discipline to the next is nothing short of inspiring. A moment that springs to mind that still gives me goosebumps is watching the Brownlee Brothers at the 2012 Olympics, that iconic moment where Jonny was racing ahead in first only to empty the tank to the point of collapse. It was here the world witnessed this incredible brotherly bond, where Allistair scooped Jonny up and got him over the finish line. Just incredible!

Cycling: The Ultimate RoadShow – Tour de France with Sir Bradley Wiggins

Cycling races, whether it’s the Tour de France or an Olympic road race, are thrilling spectacles. The strategic team dynamics, the breathtaking landscapes, and the sheer speed of the cyclists make for a visual feast. Watching these events on TV, you get detailed commentary and expert analysis that enhances your understanding and appreciation of the sport. I mean, let’s be honest, the Tour highlights are always the overheads of tractors going around in circles in a field to make an enormous bike! Plus, the slow-motion replays of sprints and crashes add an extra layer of excitement, can Cav make history this year? Each year is just as nail-biting as the last, but the best moment for me was again, in 2012 when Sir Bradley Wiggins became the first Brit to win the Tour de France.

The Social Aspect

Watching live sports on TV also brings people together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a watch party with friends, or connecting with fellow fans online, the shared experience of cheering for your favourite athletes and teams is something special. It’s a time to bond, to celebrate, and sometimes to commiserate together.

While being at the event has its own charm, watching live sports on TV is an incredible experience that combines the best of comfort, convenience, and excitement. From the gruelling tests of endurance in triathlons to the strategic brilliance of cycling races, and the high-octane thrills of athletics, live sports on TV bring the action straight to your living room. So, grab your remote, settle in, and get ready to be part of the magic as it happens.

Your TV Licence lets you enjoy a huge range of live TV. It covers you for:

• All TV channels, like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Dave and international channels – but you don’t need a licence if you only watch non-BBC channels ondemand

• Pay TV services, like Sky, Virgin Media, and BT – but these are platforms that could have both live and on-demand services

• Live TV on streaming services, like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video

• Everything on BBC iPlayer. This includes recording and downloading. On any device.