The government is expected to add the Paralympics to the ‘crown jewels’ of sporting events to be screened live on free-to-air TV.
The government is also looking to add the Women’s World Cup and Women’s FA Cup to the list.
This marks the first update to the list in 20 years, following record audiences tuning in for the Women’s World Cup on the BBC.
Secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport Jeremy Wright said: “Sport has a unique power to unite the nation. But to maximise its ability to inspire, our sporting crown jewels must reflect the diversity of sporting talent we have across the country.
“Adding the Paralympic Games to the list rightly puts it on the same footing as the Olympics. I also want to see greater equality in the coverage of women and men’s sport on TV. Later this year, I will consult on adding the equivalent women’s events to the men’s events already on the list.”
