Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2014: Global TV deal

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has secured greater global coverage with the announcement of another broadcast rights holder.

David Grevemberg says the games can inspire tens of millions of young people worldwide. Picture: Robert Perry

The Asia Broadcasting Union (ABU) will deliver free coverage of the biggest multi-sport event that Scotland has ever hosted, to the Commonwealth nations of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore and Mauritius.

Other non-Commonwealth territories such as Hong Kong, Iran, North Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Uzbekistan will also be able to view some of the 4,500 athletes from 71 countries due to take part in the 11-day event via ABU next year.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014’s chief executive, said: “The spectacle and wonder of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games has the ability to inspire tens of millions of young people worldwide and the ABU will help us to share globally the sporting achievements of the thousands of great athletes coming to compete in Scotland.”

Audience

Glasgow 2014 has already secured broadcasting rights for the Indian subcontinent with TAJ Television and Sub-Saharan African rights with SuperSport.

These contracts all contribute towards generating an expected worldwide audience of 1.5 billion people for the opening and closing ceremonies via television and radio.

Mike Hooper, chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, said: “I’m delighted that the ABU is continuing its long relationship with the Commonwealth Games. The 2014 Commonwealth Games will provide the ABU with a wide array of fantastic sporting moments that will once more thrill, excite and inspire millions of sports fans across Asia.”

Dr. Javad Mottaghi, ABU secretary-general, said: “The ABU will deliver a multi-platform coverage that will expand the scope and reach of the Commonwealth Games throughout Asia creating new audiences in new countries.

“It will also please the many Commonwealth expats who live and work in Asia and rely on the ABU and its members to provide coverage of the Games.”

The sale of broadcasting rights are part of the Glasgow 2014 commercial programme which intends to raise a total of £100 million in revenue through licensing, merchandise and ticketing.