TV rights to net $4bn for next Olympic Games

Karolos Grohmann

July 24 2012 11:15 AM

REVENUE from selling broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games between 2014 and 2016 is expected to top $4bn (€3.3bn), the International Olympic Committee revealed today.

IOC president Jacques Rogge said the organisation's finances were strong and safe with reserves more than trebling since 2001.

"For the period 2014-16 we already have $3.6 billion and it should reach and exceed $4 billion. TV rights totalled $2.2 billion for the period 2002-4," Mr Rogge told an IOC session days before the start of the London Olympics.

The amount for the 2010-2012 period was $3.9 billion.

Mr Rogge said the organisation had already generated $2.6 billion in broadcast rights revenues for the 2018-2020 period with negotiations just starting.

The IOC signed its biggest single deal last year, agreeing to sell the US broadcast rights up until 2020 to NBC for $4.38 billion.

"The financial situation is strong and safe," said Mr Rogge, who will step down next year after 12 years in charge.

"Since December 31, 2001 our reserves have grown from $105 million to $558 million, an increase of $453 million. This financial solidity is due to success of marketing and broadcast rights."

The IOC has also seen a growth in revenues from sponsors with its 2013-2016 top sponsors programme expected to generate $1 billion for the first time.

The 2017-2020 programme has already brought in $722 million with seven sponsors, Mr Rogge said.

The same programme had been worth $663 million for the period 2001-4.

"Even if our financial situation is solid ... we must still remain realistic. The IOC must ensure that it continues and intensifies the policy of controlling cost and complexity of the Games."

The IOC has been trying to reduce the size of the Games and has capped athletes at just over 10,000 and the number of sports at 28 to keep its product attractive to potential bid cities.

Russia's Sochi will play host to the 2014 Winter Olympics while Rio de Janeiro will become the first South American city to stage the summer Games in 2016. The 2020 host city will be decided next year.

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TV rights to net $4bn for next Olympic Games

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