The BBC has secured the UK TV rights to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The broadcaster will deliver 180 hours of live coverage from Gold Coast, Australia, which will be spread across its BBC One and BBC Two channels, as well as digital and radio services.
It will also compile highlights for evening programmes, as well as online clips.
The 2018 Games will be the 17th in a row to be covered by the BBC, dating back to Vancouver 1954.
David Grevemberg, Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive, said, “The BBC has a proud and prolific Commonwealth sporting history, and following their inclusive, innovative and extensive free-to-air coverage from Glasgow 2014, I have no doubt that UK sports fans will be transported ‘down under’ for an inspiring and memorable Games experience in two years’ time.”
The Games will span some 18 sports, including the newly added discipline of beach volleyball.
The revelation follows confirmation that the Games will feature the biggest para-sport competition in Commonwealth history, with 300 para-athletes and 38 medal events across seven sports.
Barbara Slater, BBC’s director of sport, said, “We’re delighted to be continuing our relationship with the Commonwealth Games, an event we have covered for over 60 years.
“The Games never fail to deliver those moments that unite the nation, and we’re delighted that we’ll be there to bring all of the action, free to air, to audiences across all of our platforms.”
The deal comes weeks after the BBC agreed a deal with Discovery to retain free-to-air coverage of the Olympic Games until 2024.
Mark Peters, Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games chief executive, said, “We are delighted that the BBC is continuing its long association with the Commonwealth Games.
“GOLDOC looks forward to closely working with their talented team to share the sporting achievements and spectacle of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games with UK viewers across BBC’s many broadcast platforms.”
