BBC will air organisation’s “major events” over the next 11 months

Dina-Asher-Smith-Athletics

UK Athletics has confirmed the BBC as its broadcast partner for its 2023 “Major Events” series.

This includes the UK Athletics Indoor Championships Birmingham from 18-19 February, World Indoor Tour Final Birmingham on 25 February, UK Athletics Championships from 8-9 July, and the London Diamond League on 23 July. 

Both UK Athletics Championships’ (indoor and outdoor) and the World Indoor Tour Final Birmingham will be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website/app and Red Button, while the London Diamond League will be shown on BBC TV plus BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website/app.

The BBC also aired these competitions last year, after a two-year hiatus amid claims that the deal wasn’t value for money.

2022 saw a peak audience of 1.6 million on BBC1 for the Diamond League event in Birmingham.

UK Athletics CEO Jack Buckner said: “We are delighted to once again be partnering with the BBC for our 2023 Major events series.

“Our sport is given an excellent platform by BBC Sport, delivering athletics to the widest possible audience. We’re looking forward to working with the team at the BBC to bring entertaining and world-class athletics performances into people’s homes throughout the year.

“The unparalleled audience reach of the BBC’s TV and digital platforms provides maximum exposure for our athletes and allows more fans to follow their journeys throughout this stellar year for athletics events.”