Coverage of the Olympic Games will remain on the BBC after an innovative agreement between the broadcaster and Discovery Communications.
The long-term agreement sees the BBC sub-license (from Discovery) exclusive free-to-air audio-visual and non-exclusive radio rights to the 2022 and 2024 Olympic Games. In turn, Discovery will sub-license (from the BBC) exclusive pay-TV rights in the UK to the 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games.
The somewhat convoluted deal means that while Discovery, through the Eurosport brand, underscores its own position in the sports market the BBC has been granted digital rights going forward that go beyond what will be seen on its linear channels. In allowing Discovery in for 2018 and 2020 – already secured by the BBC – the corporation will again make cost savings to its sports budgets that have already seen it bow out of Formula 1 coverage.
“The BBC prides itself on bringing the biggest sporting moments to the public,” said BBC director-general Tony Hall. “For many, the BBC has been their stadium for Olympic coverage.” It is an event that unites the nation like no other. I’m delighted that through our new partnership with Discovery, the BBC will continue to carry the torch for great sporting coverage right through to the 2024 Games.”
It’s the first sub-licensing agreement made by Discovery since its agreement with the international Olympic committee last June. Arguably, it will come as a blow to the other UK PSBs, particularly ITV and Channel 4.
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications, says, “Discovery is a passionate and committed partner of the Olympic Movement. Today’s agreement is a win for UK sports fans and marks an exciting new chapter in Discovery and the BBC’s partnership on major sporting events. For 30 years, our two organizations have chartered new frontiers with co-production partnerships in factual and natural history programming. Now we join together once again to bring the most compelling stories of human ambition, sacrifice and achievement to people across the UK.”
Discovery Communications holds exclusive multimedia rights for 50 countries and territories in Europe for the 2018 through the 2024 Olympic Games.
