BBC and ITV secure 2018 and 2022 World Cup broadcast rights

BBC and ITV have signed a new deal to broadcast the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup tournaments across all platforms.

The 2018 finals will be the 14th consecutive FIFA World Cup that BBC and ITV broadcast together, continuing their long-running broadcast partnership.

Securing the shared exclusive rights for the BBC and ITV continues the free-to-air broadcasting of World Cup tournaments to UK television viewers, as well as encompassing online and radio coverage.

“We are delighted to have secured the rights to one of the biggest sporting events in the world,” said BBC director of sport, Barbara Slater. “It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the UK.

“As we prepare for kick off in Brazil we hope viewers at home will enjoy watching it as much as we will look forward to broadcasting it.”

Niall Sloane, ITV director of sport, added: “The excitement building on the eve of this summer’s tournament in Brazil demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup offers a shared, collective experience for people across the UK. So we’re thrilled to be able to look forward to bringing the next two World Cups free to air to viewers in 2018 and 2022.”

Over three quarters of the UK population tuned in to the World Cup in 2010, making a deeply attractive offer for advertisers.

Some reports for this year’s World Cup, which begins this week, price television ad spots as high as £400,000 should the England team advance beyond the group stages.