BBC SPORT EXTENDS DEAL FOR LONDON MARATHON AND DIAMOND LEAGUE ATHLETICS

BBC Sport and London Marathon Events have agreed a new contract extending their long-standing partnership to 2030, a deal that will include live coverage of the 50th London Marathon.

The London Marathon remains one of the most iconic events in the UK sporting calendar, featuring world class and recording breaking races and tens of thousands of participants whose stories inspire the nation as they raise millions of pounds for charity.

This partnership, spanning over five decades, is one of the longest-standing broadcast agreements in British sport. Over the years, the London Marathon has seen more than 1.3 million finishers and a staggering total of more than £1.3 billion raised for charity.

BBC Sport’s coverage continues to be available across all BBC platforms including live network TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, 5 Live and BBC Sport website/social platforms.

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport says, “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.”

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.”

BBC Sport has agreed a new multi-year deal to broadcast the Wanda Diamond League for the next five years. This landmark deal ensures that BBC Sport will continue to provide audiences with comprehensive, free-to-air coverage of all international Diamond League events.  

Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “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.”  

Petr Stastny, Diamond League AG CEO, said: "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." 

The Diamond League kicks off in Xiamen on 26 April, and fans can tune into the action on iPlayer.  Middle-distance runner Faith Kipyegon is set to light up the track in the women's 1000m, with her sights firmly set on breaking records. Meanwhile former Olympic champion Karsten Warholm will make his anticipated debut in China, competing in the men's 300m hurdles and showcasing his exceptional speed and power. 

This new agreement further strengthens BBC Sport’s athletics portfolio, which already includes the Olympic Games, European Athletics Championships, World Athletics Championships and the London Marathon.