The International Olympic Committee announces the Broadcasting Agreement in Europe for the period 2026-2032

Image: Disclosure/International Olympic Committee

the International Olympic Committee (IOC) He announced that all media rights in Europe had been granted for the four Olympic Games in the period 2026-2032 European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal marks a return for EBU, which first aired the The 1956 Olympic Games in Melbourne.

They were beaten by Discovery in a controversial auction in 2015, where Discovery Communications signed a European deal covering two Olympics through Paris 2024. The deal was said to be worth €1.3 billion. Subsequently, Discovery sublicensed the rights to public service broadcasters.

For this latest deal, EBU and Warner Bros. Discovery has submitted a joint bid to acquire all media rights in 49 European regions for the 2026 Winter Olympics and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It also includes the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane and the 2030 Winter Edition, which has not yet determined a host. The agreement also covers the Youth Olympic Games in that period.

From 2026, the EBU will have free broadcast rights on TV and digital platforms. Unlike the Discovery deal in 2015, this one covers France and the UK who have negotiated their own deals. Russia, which was not part of the 2015 agreement, is not included this time either, as their participation in negotiations with Belarus is currently suspended.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure media rights for the next four Olympic Games on behalf of members of our Public Media Services. This means we can ensure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the sports they love.” , wherever they are. And any time they want to watch it, on the air until 2032, said Noel Curran, director general of the European Broadcasting Union.

Curran went on to say that he believes the best sporting moments should not only be available to those who can pay to watch them: “More than two-thirds of sports fans do not have access to premium sports channels, which means they are excluded and that is why public service media is home.” nature of Olympic sports.

IOC President Thomas Bach said the IOC is pleased to have reached a long-term agreement with two of the world’s largest media companies. The IOC redistributes 90% of the revenue it generates, and this long-term agreement is expected to provide financial stability to the broader sports movement and, ultimately, support the athletes themselves.

“The European Broadcasting Union and its members provide unrivaled broadcast expertise and reach across Europe, and Warner Bros. Discovery, through the latest combination of Warner Media and Discovery, represents one of the largest media and entertainment companies in the world across all genres and programming platforms. This demonstrates,” said the president. International Olympic Committee “The continuing attraction of the Olympic Games throughout Europe”.

for Warner Bros. Today’s announcement expands Discovery, its position as the “Home of the Olympics in Europe” and follows record viewership and digital audience growth over the past three Olympic Games, with Paris 2024 taking the lead. Andrew Georgiou, President and General Manager of Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe.

Under the new agreement, it will continue to be the only place showing “all the moments” of games on its streaming and digital platforms, as Discovery+’s leading sports and entertainment broadcast service, and retain all pay-TV rights. Including owned and operated Eurosport channels.

Andrew Georgiou highlighted the joy of being at the forefront of what promises to be the “Fantastic Olympics Paris 2024” featuring Warner Bros. Discovery remains the only place where fans can enjoy every moment of the next four Olympic Games.

“We are grateful to partner with the EBU and its members on the next leg of our Olympic journey, reinforcing our commitment to broad and accessible coverage. Viewers across Europe will continue to have a wide choice and the ability to access the Games on various platforms such as at the last three Olympic Games. Georgio concluded.