The best live sport on TV this week: 30th September to 7th October

Get ready for another massive week of live sport, packed with unmissable action from some of the biggest competitions in the world. From international football and Formula 1 to cricket, rugby, tennis and more, there’s wall-to-wall coverage to keep fans entertained. Football takes centre stage as the UEFA Nations League returns, with all four home nations in action. England face Croatia before welcoming Czech Republic, Wales take on Norway and Denmark, Scotland meet North Macedonia and Slovenia, while Northern Ireland go head-to-head with Ukraine and Georgia as the campaign continues.

Elsewhere, Formula 1 heads to Sepang for the Bahrain Grand Prix, where Kimi Antonelli and the rest of the grid will battle it out on one of the sport’s most iconic circuits. Cricket fans can enjoy ODI clashes between South Africa and Australia, as well as India and the West Indies, while the ATP and WTA Tours continue their Asian swing with tournaments across China and Japan. There’s no shortage of drama elsewhere either. The World Grand Prix brings high-stakes darts action, cycling fans can tune in for the Coppa Bernocchi and Giro dell’Emilia, and MotoGP heads to Japan for another thrilling race weekend. Add in the Grand Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, UFC, NHL, NFL, snooker and a packed schedule of rugby union, and it all adds up to an unmissable week of live sport.

Scroll down for the biggest sporting highlights from Wednesday 30 September to Wednesday 7 October in our guide to the best live sport on TV this week. And don't forget to bookmark this page for your weekly sporting picks on Virgin TV.

Jump into the action:

Weds 30th • Thurs 1st • Fri 2nd • Sat 3rd • Sun 4th • Mon 5th • Tues 6th • Weds 7th •

Pick of the day
Cricket: South Africa v Australia ODI
12.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Cricket HD (CH 501/505)

South Africa and Australia go head-to-head in the first ODI of a three-match series as both sides step up their preparations for next year’s Cricket World Cup. Australia return to the 50-over format with captain Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head and Pat Cummins among the big names in their squad, while South Africa have Temba Bavuma back at the helm alongside Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock and David Miller.

What else to watch:

• Tennis: ATP/WTA China / Japan
  From 3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Cricket: India v West Indies ODI
  9.30am, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Darts: World Grand Prix Darts
  7pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

Pick of the day
Football: Wales v Norway UEFA Nations League Group Stage
7.45pm, BBC Two HD / S4C HD (CH 102/164)

With captain Ben Davies marshalling the defence and attacking talents Harry Wilson and Brennan Johnson providing creativity going forward, the Dragons will be aiming to make home advantage count. Norway arrive with plenty of star power of their own, including Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. With both sides boasting quality throughout their squads, this promises to be an entertaining and important Nations League encounter.

What else to watch:

• Tennis: ATP/WTA China / Japan
  From 3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Golf: US PGA Tour Bank of Utah Championship
  5pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Golf HD (CH 501/506)

• Darts: World Grand Prix Darts
  7pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

Pick of the day
Darts: World Grand Prix Darts
7pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

The World Grand Prix continues as darts’ biggest stars battle for one of the sport’s most coveted trophies. With the unique double-in, double-out format raising the stakes, every leg counts as the tournament reaches its decisive stages. Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price are among the leading contenders, all aiming to come out on top in what promises to be a thrilling week on the oche.

What else to watch:

• NHL: Philadelphia Flyers v New Jersey Devils
  12am, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• MotoGP: Grand Prix of Japan
  1am, TNT Sports 2 HD (CH 522)

• NFL: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
  1.15am, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• Tennis: ATP/WTA China / Japan
  From 3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Formula One: Bahrain Grand Prix
  From 5.30am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports F1 HD (CH 501/507)

• Snooker: Shenzhen Open
  From 12.30pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Golf: US PGA Tour Bank of Utah Championship
  5pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Golf HD (CH 501/506)

• Football: Ukraine v Northern Ireland UEFA Nations League Group Stage
  7.45pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Rugby Union: Cardiff Rugby v Zebre
  7.45pm, Premier Sports Rugby HD / S4C HD (CH 530/164)

• Rugby Union: Edinburgh v Stormers
  7.45pm, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• Rugby Union: Benetton Treviso v Connacht
  7.45pm, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Rugby Union: Bath Rugby v Exeter Chiefs
  7.45pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

Pick of the day
Football: Croatia v England UEFA Nations League Group Stage
5pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

Led by captain Harry Kane and backed by the attacking flair of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, England will be aiming to make a statement against one of Europe’s most experienced international sides. Croatia, however, remain a formidable opponent, with Luka Modrić’s leadership and Mateo Kovačić’s creativity at the heart of their midfield. With both teams packed with world-class talent and plenty at stake, this promises to be a high-quality showdown packed with intensity, drama and attacking football.

What else to watch:

• MotoGP: Grand Prix of Japan
  From 12.40am, TNT Sports 2 HD (CH 522)

• NHL: Boston Bruins v Winnipeg Jets
  1am, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• MMA: One Fight Night 48 – Paul Elliott v Dagestani Shamil Erdogan
  2am, Sky Sports Mix HD (CH 511)

• Tennis: ATP/WTA China / Japan
  From 3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Formula One: Bahrain Grand Prix
  From 5.30am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports F1 HD (CH 501/507)

• Snooker: Shenzhen Open
  From 7am, TNT Sports 3 HD (CH 523)

• Cricket: India v West Indies
  9.30am, TNT Sports 1 HD / TNT Sports 2 HD (CH 521/522)

• Football: Chesterfield v Tranmere Rovers
  12.30pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Football HD (CH 501/503)

• Rugby Union: Lions v Ospreys
  12.45pm, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Cycling: UCI Giro dell’Emilia
  From 1pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Rugby Union: Dragons v Scarlets
  3pm, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Football: League Two Fixtures
  3pm, Sky Sports+ HD (CH 504)

• Rugby Union: Bristol Bears v Northampton
  3.05pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Rugby Union: Sharks v Leinster
  5.30pm, Premier Sports Rugby HD (CH 530)

• Rugby Union: Glasgow Warriors v Ulster
  5.30pm, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Rugby Union: Gloucester v Harlequins
  5.30pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Football: North Macedonia v Scotland UEFA Nations League Group Stage
  7.45pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

• Rugby Union: Munster v Bulls
  7.45pm, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Rugby Union: Newcastle v Leicester Tigers
  7.45pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Darts: World Grand Prix Darts
  8pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• Golf: US PGA Tour Bank of Utah Championship
  10pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Golf HD (CH 501/506)

Pick of the day
Formula One: Bahrain Grand Prix
8am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports F1 HD (CH 501/507)

Formula 1 heads to Sepang for a fascinating chapter in the 2026 season, with the Bahrain Grand Prix taking place at the iconic Malaysian circuit. Kimi Antonelli remains right in the thick of the title race after an impressive campaign so far, while George Russell, Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will all be pushing hard to gain ground. With Sepang's mix of long straights, sweeping corners and famously unpredictable weather, fans can expect plenty of drama and excitement as the fight for championship glory continues.

What else to watch:

• NHL: Seattle Kraken v Edmonton Oilers
  12am, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• NHL: Washington Capitals v Tampa Bay Lightning
  12am, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• MotoGP: Grand Prix of Japan
  12.30am, TNT Sports 2 HD (CH 522)

• UFC 332: Natalia Silva v Wang Cong
  1am, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• NHL: Calgary Flames v Vancouver Canucks
  3am, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• Tennis: ATP/WTA China / Japan
  From 3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Snooker: Shenzhen Open
  From 7am, TNT Sports 3 HD (CH 523)

• Racing: The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
  1pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

• NFL: Indianapolis Colts v Washington Commanders
  2.30pm, Channel 5 HD / Sky Sports+ HD (CH 105/504)

• Rugby Union: Saracens v Sale Sharks
  3pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• NFL: New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
  6pm, 5ACTION HD (CH 130)

• Football: Wales v Denmark UEFA Nations League Group Stage
  7.45pm, BBC Two HD / S4C HD (CH 102/164)

• Darts: World Grand Prix Darts
  8pm, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• NFL: Denver Broncos @ San Francisco 49ers
  9.25pm, Channel 5 HD (CH 105)

• Golf: US PGA Tour Bank of Utah Championship
  10pm, Sky Sports Golf HD (CH 506)

Pick of the day
Cycling: Coppa Bernocchi UCI World Tour
2pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

Cycling’s one-day classics continue with the Coppa Bernocchi, as the peloton takes on a challenging route through the heart of Lombardy. Renowned for its punchy climbs and aggressive racing, the Italian classic often delivers thrilling attacks before the battle for victory unfolds on the streets of Legnano. With a strong field of WorldTour talent lining up and every rider eager to make their mark, fans can expect plenty of action, tactical racing and a dramatic finish in another exciting day of top-class cycling.

What else to watch:

• NHL: Floria Panthers v Anaheim Ducks
  1am, Premier Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• NFL: Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers
  1.20am, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• Tennis: WTA China
  4am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Pool: Ultimate Pool Champions League
  6pm, TNT Sports 1 HD (CH 521)

• Football: Northern Ireland v Georgia UEFA Nations League Group Stage
  7.45pm, BBC One NI HD (CH 863)

Pick of the day
Football: England v Czech Republic UEFA Nations League Group Stage
7.45pm, ITV1 HD (CH 103)

England return to home soil for another crucial UEFA Nations League test, as Thomas Tuchel’s side take on Czech Republic in front of their own fans. With Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka leading a star-studded attack, England will be looking to make a statement and keep their Group A3 campaign on track. Czech Republic will have ambitions of causing an upset, but with the Three Lions aiming to turn on the style at home, the stage is set for an exciting night of high-intensity international football.

What else to watch:

• NHL: Philadelphia Flyers v Tampa Bay Lightning
  12am, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• NHL: Winnipeg Jets v Pittsburgh Penguins
  12.30am, Premiers Sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• NFL: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints
  1.15am, Sky Sports Main Event HD (CH 501)

• Tennis: WTA China
  3am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Racing: UK Raceday Live
  1pm, Sky Sports Racing HD (CH 512)

• Cricket: India v West Indies T20i
  2.30pm, TNT Sports TBC

• Football: EFL Trophy Fixtures
  7pm, Sky Sports+ HD (CH 504)

• Football: Scotland v Slovenia UEFA Nations League Group Stage
  7.45pm, BBC Two HD (CH 102)

Pick of the day
Racing: UK Raceday Live
1pm, Sky Sports Racing HD (CH 512)

Horse racing fans can look forward to a busy afternoon of live action, with meetings from Nottingham, Ludlow, Kempton and Navan all on the schedule. From competitive Flat contests to thrilling jumps racing, there’s plenty at stake as runners, riders and trainers chase success across four packed cards. With exciting action throughout the day and plenty of opportunities for standout performances, it promises to be another entertaining afternoon for racing fans.

What else to watch:

• NHL: Carolina Hurricanes v Montreal Canadiens
  12am, Premier Sports 2 HD (CH 529)

• NHL: Florida Panthers v Los Angeles Kings
  3am, Premier sports 1 HD (CH 528)

• Tennis: ATP Shanghai Rolex Masters
  From 5am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

• Tennis: WTA China
  From 6am, Sky Sports Main Event HD / Sky Sports Tennis HD (CH 501/508)

Virgin TV customers who subscribe to Sky Sports can watch on the go with the Sky Sports app. Not only will you be able to take your Sky packages with you, but you get in-depth sports coverage, as well as exclusive videos and interviews. On iPad and Android tablets you can also access Sky Sports’ cutting-edge second-screen functions. Download from the Apple app store for iPad or iPhone, or from Google Play.

You can also enjoy even more live sport than ever before thanks to Sky Sports+, available to all Sky Sports subscribers at no extra cost. For everything you need to know, click here. 

Don’t have Sky Sports? You can find out about our Sky Sports package and upgrade here.

TNT Sports is available as an add-on at additional monthly cost. Login via your My Virgin Media account here and get all four TNT Sports channels in HD. If you’ve not registered for My Virgin Media or have forgotten your login details, just head over to myvirginmedia.com.

Premier Sports 1 and Premier Sports 2 bring you football from Scotland, Spain, Italy and Germany, rugby union from the United Rugby Championship, European Champions Cup and France’s Top 14, NASCAR motor racing and more. Premier Sports Rugby is available to all customers, showing live US and Japanese top-flight rugby and a selection of the best rugby union action from around the world. To upgrade, press Apps > Subscriptions and follow the instructions.

Don’t let anything get in between you and your essential viewing with Virgin TV Go. With loads of sport and Box Sets to try out, you’ll always be entertained wherever you are!

The app is available to all Virgin TV customers at no extra cost and is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows 10 and PC/Mac. Get downloading (from the links below) and you’ll be one step closer to watching what you want, when you want.

Download the Virgin TV Go app from the Apple app store

Download the Virgin TV Go app from Google Play

Download the Virgin TV Go app for Windows 10

If you’re a Virgin Media customer with our Stream box, Virgin TV 360 or our V6 box, get Prime Video direct on your telly once you’ve got a subscription to the service. Just sign up to Prime Video via the website, and you can log in on the box.

Prime Video is also fully integrated into our boxes, meaning you can search without even going into the app. Just select Search & Discover from the Home menu and type in the name of the show or movie you’re after. Not only that, but 360 and Stream box customers can also voice search Prime Video shows with their remote.

Catch Sky Sports, TNT Sports and more fan favourites with our Sports TV Package deals.