BBC to broadcast Olympics until 2020

The BBC have been awarded the broadcast rights for the next four summer and winter Olympics up to 2020.

The network has acquired the broadcast rights across all media platforms, including internet and mobile.

It means the 2014 winter Games in Sochi, the 2016 summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, the 2018 winter Olympics in

PyeongChang and the 2020 Games, which have yet to be awarded to a host city, will all be shown on the BBC.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said: "As the host of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the birthplace of many Olympic sports, the UK is a very important nation for the Olympic Movement.

"The BBC is a world-renowned media organisation with which we are proud to have worked for many decades, including for the upcoming Olympic Games. We are delighted that the BBC will continue as our partner beyond London 2012, providing fantastic free coverage of the Olympic Games to the widest possible audience in the UK across a variety of media platforms."

The announcement completes the IOC's direct negotiations for the 2014-2016 period in Europe.

BBC director general Mark Thompson, said: "It's terrific news in the days before BBC Sport begins to cover the London 2012 Games and a tribute to the enduring partnership between the BBC and the Olympic Movement".

PA