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he BBC has secured the broadcast rights for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, marking the 18th consecutive time the British public service broadcaster has broadcast the Commonwealth Games.

As part of the delivery, BBC will provide UK viewers a 24/7 live broadcast, with highlights and news, after it was announced Birmingham 2022 will be the first major multi-sport event ever to award more medals to women and men.

Birmingham 2022 is also set to host the largest ever para-sport programmes, with a record number of mixed events also for the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president, Dame Louise Martin, said the event will hold special significance for the BBC as 2022 marks their centenary year.

“I am delighted that the BBC has taken up the domestic rights for the Commonwealth Games,” Martin said.

“I believe this deal represents a huge vote of confidence in Birmingham as well as the entire Commonwealth Sport Movement.

“We anticipate some of the world’s highest profile athletes will compete at Birmingham, which will be an historic event for women’s sport, with more medals for women than men.

“The BBC has demonstrated a huge commitment to women’s sport and with 2022 marking their centenary, I am delighted they are partnering again with Commonwealth Sport to help us generate huge levels of excitement and anticipation in the lead up to one of the biggest sporting events the UK has ever have hosted.

“I am thrilled that the BBC will once again connect millions of viewers to the drama and excitement of the Commonwealth Games, bringing their world class production and analysis to homes and handsets across the UK,” she said.

Birmingham 2022 CEO, Ian Reid, said the event will be the UK’s largest sporting event since the 2012 London Olympic Games.

“This is a significant moment for Birmingham 2022, and we are very proud to be working with the BBC as the domestic broadcast rights holder for the Games,” Reid said.

“The BBC’s record in covering major sports events is truly outstanding and we can’t wait to work with them on our edition of the Commonwealth Games.

“Birmingham 2022 is the biggest sporting event to be staged in the UK since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the BBC is the perfect broadcaster to showcase our 19 sports and 8 para sports, the majority of which will be held in venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands, ensuring that the city and the region will be truly centre stage in 2022,” he said.

BBC director-general, Tim Davie, also said the Commonwealth Games will be an exciting event after the impact of COVID-19.

“In a year when many major sports events have been postpones, this is welcome news for sports fans,” Davie said.

“We are delighted to be broadcasting the Commonwealth Games,” he said.