ITV & BBC Sign World Cup Deal for 2018, 2022

LONDON: ITV and the BBC have secured the shared exclusive free-to-air broadcast rights in the U.K. for the World Cup tournaments in 2018 and 2022 across TV, radio and online.

The 2018 finals will be the 14th consecutive FIFA World Cup that ITV and BBC broadcast together.

Niall Sloane, ITV's director of sport, said: "The excitement building on the eve of this summer's tournament in Brazil demonstrates how the FIFA World Cup offers a shared, collective experience for people across the U.K. So we're thrilled to be able to look forward to bringing the next two World Cups free to air to viewers in 2018 and 2022."

Barbara Slater, BBC's director of sport, added: "We are delighted to have secured the rights to one of the biggest sporting events in the world. It is fantastic news that the pinnacle event in world football will continue to be available free of charge for everyone in the U.K. As we prepare for kickoff in Brazil, we hope viewers at home will enjoy watching it as much as we will look forward to broadcasting it."