The BBC has secured the exclusive UK rights to broadcast live coverage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
The major multi-sport event, which will be held in England’s Second City for the first time, will be the 18th consecutive Games to be broadcast by the BBC, stretching back to the 1954 edition in Vancouver.
Taking place across Birmingham and the West Midlands from 28 July to 8 August, the BBC will deliver extensive coverage of the Games across all platforms, providing UK audiences with a 24/7 service of live action and higlights.
It will be the largest sporting event to be held in the UK since the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games and the biggest event the West Midlands has ever staged.
Commenting on its deal to broadcast the Games, Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said:
“In a year when many major sport events have been postponed, this is welcome news for the BBC. We are delighted to be broadcasting the Commonwealth Games.”
The announcement of the BBC deal comes on the day that Birmingham 2022 unveiled the medal event programme for the Games, confirming that the competition will be the first major multi-sport event in history to award more medals to women than men.
Birmingham 2022 will also host the largest-ever integrated para-sport programme, as well as a record number of mixed events including diving, swimming relays and para-athletics relays.
CGF president Dame Louise Martin DBE added:
“I am delighted that the BBC has taken up the domestic rights for the Commonwealth Games. I believe this deal represents a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham as well as the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement.
“We anticipate some of the world’s highest profile athletes will compete at Birmingham, which will be an historic event for women’s sport, with more medals for women than men. I am thrilled that the BBC will once again connect millions of viewers to the drama and excitement of the Commonwealth Games, bringing their world class production and analysis to homes and handsets across the UK.
“The BBC has demonstrated a huge commitment to women’s sport and with 2022 marking their centenary, I am delighted they are again partnering with Commonwealth Sport to help us generate huge levels of excitement and anticipation in the lead up to one of the biggest sporting events the UK has ever have hosted.”
In addition to the live sport, the BBC says it will also feature stories of the Commonwealth and its communities all over the UK, celebrating these across its various outputs throughout what promises to be one of the highlights of the sporting summer.
The deal also marks a particularly significant moment as 2022 coincides with the BBC’s own centenary celebrations.
For more information about the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, visit the official website – birmingham2022.com
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