BBC secures the rights to broadcast Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

The BBC has secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games, it has confirmed.

The major multi-sport event, which will be held in Birmingham for the first time, will be the 18th consecutive Games to be broadcast by the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Taking place across Birmingham and the West Midlands in two years time from July 28 to August 8, the BBC will deliver extensive coverage of the Games across all platforms, providing audiences across the UK with a 24/7 service of live action, highlights, news and more.

The broadcaster will additionally tell the stories of the Commonwealth and communities all over the UK, with an aim to celebrate this across the BBC throughout what they have predicted will be an “incredible summer of sport”.

This announcement comes on the day that Birmingham 2022 unveiled the Games’ medal event programme, 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.

Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC, said: “In a year when many major sport events have been postponed, this is welcome news for sports fans. We are delighted to be broadcasting the Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham.”

Commonwealth Games Federation President Dame Louise Martin DBE said: “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.”