Global iPlayer secures more sports rights

The Global BBC iPlayer has secured the rights to two UK sporting events, the Grand National and the London Marathon.

This follows the recent signing of rights to the University Boat Race.

This month, coverage of the Grand National horse racing event and the London Marathon will be made available to international subscribers within days of their original broadcast in the UK.

A package of highlights from the Grand National will be available on the Global BBC iPlayer in Australia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg. Coverage from the London Marathon will be available in Australia, Ireland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and Luxembourg.

Matthew Littleford, general manager, Global BBC iPlayer said: “Our subscribers wanted iconic British sport, and here they have it. The Grand National and London Marathon are packed with action, heritage and some of the sporting year’s biggest talking points, and I’m glad that we can bring them to our users around the world.”