BBC signs rights deal to broadcast next four Olympics
The BBC has today announced that it has signed a rights deal, which will see it cover the next four Olympic Games.
It has been revealed that this will include exclusive TV, radio and digital rights for Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and 2020 Games.
This will mean that the BBC has been the official broadcaster for 33 Olympic Games, including 16 Winter Olympics.
Mark Thompson, director-general for the BBC, said: "I'm delighted that the Olympic Games will continue to be broadcast exclusively on the BBC into the 2020s. It's terrific news in the days before BBC Sport begins to cover the London 2012 Games and a tribute to the enduring partnership between the BBC and the Olympic movement."
Dominic Coles, COO 2012 Olympics, who negotiated the deal, added: "It's vital that big national and international events like the Olympic Games remain free-to-air where they can be watched by the greatest number of people. We're delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with the Olympics and the IOC, adding to BBC Sport's outstanding rights portfolio and firmly establishing the BBC as the home of major sporting events that unite the nation and this deal demonstrates that BBC Sport remains a force in sports broadcasting.”
For the London 2012 Games, the BBC is expected to air around 2,500 hours of live Olympic sporting action.