IOC wraps up bumper US telly deal

THE International Olympic Committee has secured its financial future after agreeing a huge broadcast deal for the USA worth $7.65billion (£4.5billion) through to the year 2032.

The deal with NBC Universal (NBCU) covers the period 2021 to 2032 and ties up the rights for the IOC’s most important TV market.

It also includes additional $100million (£59million) ‘signing bonus’ to be used to promote the Olympic movement between 2015 and 2020.

IOC president Thomas Bach, who led the negotiations, was delighted to secure the longterm deal.

‘This agreement is excellent news for the entire Olympic movement as it helps to ensure its financial security in the long term,’ said Bach.

‘The IOC has worked in close partnership with NBC for many decades, and we are thrilled we will continue to work with them through to 2032.

‘NBC’s expertise in sports broadcasting, as well as their passion for Olympic values, will mean we shall be able continue to offer first-class broadcast coverage of the Olympics to the widest possible American audience,’ he added.