The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) have renewed and strengthened their partnership, ensuring that both the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 and the Mediterranean Beach Games Portimão-Lagoa 2027 will continue to reach audiences free-to-air across Europe, North Africa and beyond.
The new agreement will see EBU Members provide coverage of both events across television, radio and digital platforms, further expanding the visibility of one of the world’s leading regional multi-sport competitions.
A partnership that continues to grow
The renewal builds on a collaboration that began with the Mediterranean Games Oran 2022 and continued through the Mediterranean Beach Games Heraklion 2023. Since then, both organisations believe the partnership has played an important role in increasing the profile of the Games and strengthening their position within the international sports landscape.
In addition to coverage from EBU Members, Eurovision Sport will continue to play a key role by providing free streaming access to audiences worldwide, helping bring the competitions to viewers beyond the traditional Mediterranean markets.
Taranto 2026 and Portimão-Lagoa 2027
The Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026 will take place from 21 August to 3 September 2026 and feature 31 sports. Alongside traditional disciplines such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics and volleyball, the Italian edition will include sports that reflect the evolving nature of the Games, including 3×3 basketball, padel, skateboarding and roller sports.
One year later, the Mediterranean Beach Games Portimão-Lagoa 2027 will be held from 11 to 18 September. The event will bring together athletes from a range of beach and water sports, including beach volleyball, beach soccer, kiteboarding, open water swimming and rowing beach sprint.
ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis highlighted the strategic importance of the renewed agreement: “It is not simply a broadcasting agreement; it is a strong alliance built on shared values, common vision and a deep commitment to bringing the Mediterranean Games closer to the people, especially to younger generations and new audiences.”.
On the road to Los Angeles 2028
Filippousis also stressed that the experience gained through Oran 2022 and Heraklion 2023 demonstrated the impact that the EBU network can have on the international visibility of the Games. According to him, providing free-to-air coverage across many Mediterranean countries is fully aligned with the mission of making the Games more accessible, visible and relevant for athletes, National Olympic Committees, host cities and sports fans.
For his part, EBU Sport Director of Olympics Andreas Aristodemou said that the Mediterranean Games represent a unique opportunity to connect audiences through sport while celebrating the cultural diversity of a region that brings together Europe, Africa and Asia. “We are proud to continue this collaboration and build on our shared vision for growing the reach of the Mediterranean Games and connecting more fans with the stories at their heart.”.
The renewed agreement also forms part of the EBU’s wider commitment to premium multi-sport coverage. With a programme that combines established Olympic disciplines with fast-growing urban and beach sports, the Mediterranean Games continue to strengthen their role as a platform for sporting development and fan engagement on the road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
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