The IOC said it had received ‘numerous’ bids up to last week’s closing date and would enter negotiations with the bidding broadcasters immediately.
All offers were delivered in sealed envelopes to the IOC headquarters before each envelope was opened by IOC president Jacques Rogge and Dr Thomas Bach, IOC vice-president and coordinator of the European negotiations.
After having reviewed the various offers, the IOC confirmed it would immediately proceed with discussions and negotiations with a number of bidders.
Said Rogge: “We are extremely satisfied with the number and quality of the proposals that we have received today, which underline the confidence of broadcasters, media companies and the general public in the Olympic Games.
“This very high interest demonstrates the clear potential to increase the coverage and the promotion of the Olympic Games, and the value of Olympic broadcasting rights in Europe.”
The method is similar to that used in the US to sell domestic TV rights – a process which resulted in a new $2.2bn deal with NBC for the 2010 Winter Games and 2012 Summer Games.
The IOC has traditionally sold its rights to the European Broadcasting Union.
The IOC is expected to announce the successful bids next month.
