The BBC's Olympic TV deal and what it means for you

Since 2018, the way the BBC covers the Olympics has changed a bit.

In order to avoid any confusion when you're sitting down or logging on for the excitement and drama of Paris 2024, we thought it would be a good idea to explain how everything works, why coverage is a bit different and how we are going to ensure you can still enjoy all the big moments with us.

What changed?

In 2015, Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) bought the European TV rights for the Olympic Games for a reported 1.3bn euros.

Fast forward to Paris 2024, and they can show as much of the action as they want across as many channels as they want.

That, in the UK, was previously something the BBC did - you'll remember we offered online and Red Button feeds of every sport during London 2012.

However, thanks in part to UK law that aims to ensure major events, like the Olympic Games, are widely available, the BBC was able to strike a deal with WBD.

What does that mean for the things I want to watch?

The BBC will have a network TV channel and a second broadcast stream throughout the Games.

That means we can show the two most exciting or important events happening at any moment live at the same time. And because of the way the Olympics schedule works, it means there will almost never be a big medal moment or race or tearful interview we can't bring you.

Since the Winter Olympics in 2018 what's changed is that if you are really into a specific sport that isn't the main story of the day, we may not be able to broadcast it live.

We will still update you on all the stories of the day, but if it's wall-to-wall Greco-Roman Wrestling you’re looking for, then Discovery+ will be the place to watch it.

Why didn't the BBC just pay more to have everything?

Quite simply because we take decisions over our spending very seriously as it is licence fee payers' money that we are using.

As much as we'd like to, we can't buy everything we want.

Despite that, we will have over 250 hours of live coverage, while Olympics Extra - a second curated live stream on BBC iPlayer - will ensure none of the breathtaking moments are missed.

What's more, there will be a special Paris 2024 schedule on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC Sounds, and the ability to catch up with the biggest news stories and medal winning moments on the BBC Sport website and app, and across social media.

How do I find more of the Olympic Games?

Across the Discovery+ app and Eurosport channels in the UK, more than 3,800 hours of live coverage will be aired in total from 07:00 to 22:30 BST each day.

Discovery+ and Eurosport requires a subscription. You can find more information here.

How long will this arrangement last for?

The deal is in place for the next five Olympic Games - up to and including the 2032 Summer Games in Brisbane.

Anything else I need to know?

Just that we are so proud of what we have planned for Paris and the incredible coverage, analysis, drama and emotion we are going to bring you.

We kick off with coverage of the opening ceremony at 17:45 BST on Friday, 26 July on BBC One and across our platforms. You can find more about our plans here.