Eurosport wins rights to show Olympic Games

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 31/07/2015 at 14:53 GMT

Eurosport has landed the exclusive TV and multi-platform broadcast European rights for the Olympic Games from 2018 to 2024, covering two Olympics and two Winter Olympics. In the UK market, the agreement sees British Eurosport awarded the rights for the 2022 and 2024 Games.

The International Olympic Committee announced that the prestigious rights package, valued at €1.3 billion (£1 billion), has been handed to Eurosport and parent company Discovery Communications as part of a “significant agreement” for the Games.

The agreement covers 50 countries across Europe for the 2022 and 2024 Games, and 48 for the 2018 and 2020 Games since France and the UK had already agreed broadcast deals for those events. The rights include all platforms, including the Eurosport Player.

Discovery has committed to broadcasting a minimum of 200 hours of the Olympic Games and 100 hours of the Winter Olympic Games on free-to-air television.

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"Today is a historic day as we proudly add the Olympic Rings to Discovery Communications’ portfolio of offerings," said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav.

"The long-term programming commitment with [IOC] President [Thomas] Bach and the IOC reaffirms Eurosport’s position as the leader in sports across Europe, and will significantly enhance Eurosport's presence on all platforms.

"With Eurosport’s proud and long-standing tradition of broadcasting many winter and summer sports showcased during the Olympics, adding the Olympic Games, the greatest live event in the world, is a perfect editorial and strategic fit.

Discovery CEO David Zaslav and IOC President Thomas Bach (Photo: IOC, Christophe Moratal)

Image credit: Eurosport

"But most of all, this new partnership is an exciting win for European sports fans as we will deliver record amounts of content across platforms to ensure the Olympic flame burns bright all year long.”

IOC President Thomas Bach added: "This is a significant agreement for Discovery and the IOC, and we are excited to have Eurosport, the pan-European home of Olympic sports, as a partner.

"This agreement ensures comprehensive coverage of the Olympic Games across Europe.

Discovery CEO David Zaslav and IOC President Thomas Bach (Photo: IOC, Christophe Moratal)

Image credit: Eurosport

"Discovery and Eurosport have demonstrated a major commitment to the Olympic Games, to Olympic sports and to the future of the Olympic Movement.

"The revenue generated from this long-term partnership will be redistributed by the IOC across the Olympic Movement to support the development of sport around the world.

"Above all, this agreement ensures that sports fans in Europe will be able to enjoy excellent coverage of the Olympic Games and Olympic sports, both during and outside Games time, on their platform of choice."

READ MORE: Official press release

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