Seven, Australia's most-watched broadcaster, have signed a contract which gives them rights across all media platforms for the Games, including free-to-air broadcast television and subscription television rights, online, mobile and social media, and radio, and expands to Seven's digital platforms, including online and Hybrid Broadband Broadcast Television (HbbTV).

It will be the first time they have broadcast the Commonwealth Games since Manchester 2002. 

Seven will replace the Ten Network, who had broadcast Delhi 2010 and this year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which finished earlier this month.

Financial details of the new contract were not disclosed but the figure paid by Seven is reportedly AUD$40 million (£22 million/$37 million/€28 million)

That is significantly higher than the £13 million ($22 million/€16 million) paid by Ten to broadcast Glasgow 2014.

Seven will replace the Ten Network, who have broadcast the last Commonwealth Games, including Glasgow 2014 ©Facebook 
The Australians failed to finish first in the overall medals table for the first time since Edinburgh 1986 but such was the popularity of the Games in Glasgow that it helped Ten finish top of the ratings for the first time in four years. 

The new deal was negotiated by Mike Hooper, who steps down as CGF chief executive after 12 years in charge on Friday (August 22). 

"The CGF is delighted to renew our relationship with Seven knowing it will ensure the widest possible coverage across the country when Australia again plays host to the Games on the Gold Coast in 2018," he said. 

"Seven's commitment, coming off the success of Glasgow, illustrates the enduring appeal and bright future of the Commonwealth Games as we look ahead to 2018 on the Gold Coast and beyond."

The official handover to Gold Coast 2018 took place during the spectacular Closing Ceremony of Glasgow 2014 and featured Australian singer Jessica Mauboy ©Getty Images

Gold Coast 2018 chairman Nigel Chamier believes the signing with Seven will be a major boost when the Games return to Australia for the fifth time in their history in four years. 

"Seven's sports credentials are superb, and we look forward to them bringing their expertise and passion to our event on the Gold Coast," he said. 

Seven has also recently procured the Australian rights to Olympics at Rio 2016, Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020. 

Ten had broadcast Sochi 2014. 

"The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast are expected to deliver significant audiences across Seven's broadcast and digital platforms," said Tim Worner, chief executive of Seven Network Television. 

"The Commonwealth Games in 2018 provides our business an extraordinary opportunity to drive home our leadership as we broadcast the Australian Tennis Open, the Olympic Winter Games and the Commonwealth Games in the one year."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
August 2014: Seven has made a concrete commitment to promote Olympic Movement, says Bach
July 2014: Seven Network secure Australian TV Olympic rights
April 2013: Exclusive: IOC to play waiting game on Australian TV rights
August 2009: Australian channel pays £13 million to broadcast Glasgow Commonwealth Games