The BBC has announced two new multi-year deals, which will see it retain coverage of top athletics and one of the UK’s most iconic events until the end of the decade.
- BBC will continue to be the home of all major athletic events.
- The broadcaster gains the rights to screen the 50th London Marathon in five year deal
On the eve of the start of this year’s Diamond League, the BBC has confirmed it will continue to cover all events for the next five years, after signing a new broadcast rights deal.
Coverage of the Wanda Diamond League will appear across the BBC’s network channels, iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app. The first event of the 2025 League from Xiamen, China on Saturday 26th April will be available on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Red Button (12:00 BST).
The Diamond League is the cornerstone of spring and summertime athletics coverage, enhancing the BBC’s coverage of Athletics at the Olympics, European and World Athletics Championships.
London Marathon deal
Meanwhile, the BBC and London Marathon Events have agreed an extension to one of the longest-standing broadcast agreements in British sport. The new deal, also running until 2030, will include the 50th London Marathon.
As before, coverage will continue on the BBC One and Two, plus iPlayer, Sounds, 5 Live and website/social platforms.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, with TV coverage from 08:30 BST on BBC One and iPlayer.
Corporate comment
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said:
“Our wonderful partnership with BBC Sport dates back to the very first edition of the London Marathon in 1981 and we are delighted to extend our partnership to the 50th edition in 2030. Our work together has been extraordinary, showcasing fantastic races, inspiring millions to get active and profiling the amazing reasons that compel people to run, take on this challenge and in turn raised more than £1.3 billion for charity.”
Meanwhile, Petr Stastny, Diamond League AG CEO, commented:
“The Wanda Diamond League brings together the world’s finest athletes on the sport’s biggest stages. We are delighted to provide BBC audiences with more world-class action in 2025, as the biggest names in track and field go head-to-head throughout the season in athletics’ premier global series.”
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport commented:
“Extending our deal with London Marathon Events strengthens one of BBC Sport’s most loved partnerships. It’s a cornerstone of our world-class athletics coverage and the incredible, emotional stories of people running to change lives is one of the highlights of the year.
The Diamond League is where the world’s greatest athletes push the limits—and we’re thrilled to keep that drama and brilliance free to air on BBC TV, iPlayer, and online. It’s more than just sport; it’s edge-of-your-seat action that brings people together. With a huge summer ahead, BBC Sport is making sure fans are front row for every breathtaking moment.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Composite/BBC