BBC Commercial Reports 17% Profit Growth Driven by Bluey and Streaming Services
13 verified5 unconfirmed
BBC Commercial, the commercial arm of the BBC, reported a 17% increase in EBITDA to £267 million for the 2025/26 financial year, while revenue remained flat at £2.2 billion. The growth was primarily driven by direct-to-consumer services and consumer products, led by the global animated hit “Bluey.” Its largest subsidiary, BBC Studios, also saw EBITDA rise 17% to £263 million, with its Content Studio unit posting a 42% EBITDA jump to £165 million thanks to “Bluey” partnerships and merchandise. The Global Media & Streaming unit reported a 3% EBITDA increase to £104 million, supported by BritBox and BBC Select revenue growth. BBC Commercial returned £377 million to the BBC, down from £391 million the prior year, keeping the company on track for a five-year £1.5 billion returns target. CEO Tom Fussell noted the company’s resilience amid market pressures and highlighted the importance of a supportive regulatory framework for future growth. Key content successes included “Death Valley” drawing the UK’s highest overnight audience for a new scripted comedy in five years and “Dancing with the Stars” achieving its best young adult audience share since the “Friends” finale in 2004. “Bluey” remained the most-streamed title in the US for a second consecutive year with more than 45 billion minutes watched on Disney+.
What’s verified
BBC Commercial EBITDA increased 17% to £267 million ($357 million) for fiscal 2025/26.
Revenue was flat at £2.2 billion ($2.94 billion).
BBC Commercial returned £377 million to the BBC, down from £391 million the prior year.
The company targets £1.5 billion in returns over five years.
BBC Studios revenue was £2.13 billion, with EBITDA up 17% to £263 million.
BBC Studios’ Content Studio saw EBITDA jump 42% to £165 million, driven by “Bluey” deals.
Global Media & Streaming EBITDA rose 3% to £104 million.
BritBox North America revenue grew 20%; BBC Select revenue rose 61%.
“Death Valley” had the UK’s highest overnight audience for a new scripted comedy in five years and sold to over 100 markets.
“Dancing with the Stars” finale achieved a 53% audience share among adults 18-34, the largest for any broadcast entertainment series since the 2004 “Friends” finale.
“Bluey” was the most-streamed title in the US for a second consecutive year, with over 45 billion minutes watched on Disney+ and was the top US pre-school toy brand.
Social video revenue increased 23%, and BBC Studios’ YouTube watch time nearly doubled to 14.7 billion annual views.
Operating costs decreased 3% to £2.02 billion.
Not yet confirmed
One source reported that statutory profit after tax rose 9% to £71 million; the other source did not mention this figure.
One source reported pay gap data, including a median gender pay gap of 9.3% and a first-time disclosure of data on deaf and neurodivergent employees; the other source did not include these details.
One source noted that BBC.com reached 149 million monthly users outside the UK and launched a paid US subscription tier, and that the FAST channel portfolio spans 30 brands and 300 feeds; the other source did not mention this.
One source listed upcoming titles such as a new season of “Blue Planet,” “Sherwood,” “Deadpoint,” “Break Clause,” “Honey,” and “Pride & Prejudice”; the other source did not list these.
One source referenced a January deal between the BBC and YouTube for original content production; the other source did not mention this deal.
Key figures
Tom Fussell – CEO of BBC Commercial
“Bluey” – animated children’s series
“Death Valley” – crime series
“Dancing with the Stars” – US dance competition series
Sources: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
