ESPN has extended its broadcast and global presenting sponsorship rights with the Special Olympics for Special Olympics World Games, World Winter Games and USA Games via a new, eight-year agreement that will run through 2027.
“The long-standing partnership between Special Olympics and ESPN goes beyond just broadcasting,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics via ESPN.com. “This relationship is a catalyst for inclusion. ESPN is telling the stories of Special Olympics athletes at World Games, USA Games, and at some of the over 100,000 Special Olympics events happening around the world every year. In the past year alone, ESPN presented 40 short films showcasing our athletes, coaches, parents, and other game changers. Through its storytelling, media platforms and grant-making, ESPN is building positive attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities and showing the world that the revolution is inclusion.”
ESPN’s coverage of major Special Olympics events will continue to reach fans around the world via ESPN and Disney networks and media platforms in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East.
Additionally, Special Olympics and ESPN will work together, along with host-market broadcasters, to bring events to additional viewers through additional distribution.
“The relationship between ESPN and Special Olympics has been built on a bedrock of shared belief in the power of sports to positively impact lives and make lasting change in the world,” said Jimmy Pitaro, president of ESPN and co-chair of Disney Media Networks. “In many ways, Special Olympics represents all that is great about sports.”
“Together, along with the support of The Walt Disney Company, ESPN and Special Olympics have made real progress in spotlighting these incredible athletes and their achievements, bringing inspiring stories to millions of fans and driving meaningful growth in support of the Special Olympics movement,” Russell Wolff, executive vice president and general manager of ESPN+, said.