The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Comcast NBCUniversal have signed a landmark agreement that extends the broadcast rights to the Olympic Games on all U.S. platforms through 2036. This agreement, approved by the IOC Executive Board, will begin in 2025 and elevates the relationship between the two entities from a simple media rights contract to a strategic partnership. As such, the IOC has authorized the next IOC president, who will be elected on March 20, 2025, to sign the agreement after taking office in June 2025.
The extension of the broadcasting rights for the 2033-2036 cycle, which includes the Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Olympic Winter Games and the 2036 Olympic Games (no venue yet defined), is valued at $3 billion. This agreement ensures the long-term financial stability of the Olympic Movement, as the IOC distributes 90% of the revenues generated to support athletes and sports organizations around the world.
TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES
The agreement includes new strategic initiatives, such as the use of Comcast’s expertise in technology infrastructure, connectivity and media to support the delivery of the Olympic Games. Also included is support for on-site distribution of live Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) coverage, production of the Olympic Video Player and collaboration on digital advertising opportunities in the United States.
Brian Roberts, president and CEO of Comcast, said, “There is no event like the Olympic Games. Their ability to unite and bring joy is unique. This long-term agreement not only recognizes the technological transformation we are living through, but anticipates its acceleration. It is an honor to continue to use our company’s expertise to connect Americans to the Olympic Games and provide innovative technology solutions to the IOC.”
NBCUNIVERSAL COVERAGE
NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games reached record numbers, averaging 67 million daily viewers across its television, cable and streaming platforms. Fans streamed 23.5 billion minutes of content, 40% more than all previous editions combined. In addition, Generation Z drove 6.55 billion social media impressions, an increase of 184% over Tokyo 2020.
Gene Sykes, president of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), said, “This partnership marks a new era of collaboration that will strengthen the Olympic and Paralympic Movements. Looking ahead to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games and beyond, we are excited to leverage innovative technologies and shared resources to ensure an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans.”
A HISTORIC RELATIONSHIP WITH NBCUNIVERSAL
Comcast NBCUniversal has a long history with the Olympic Games, beginning with Tokyo 1964. To date, it has broadcast 19 editions of the Games, 13 of them consecutively, more than any other media company in the United States. With this new agreement, NBCUniversal will reach a total of 25 broadcast Olympic Games by the conclusion of the 2036 Summer Games.
