Beijing, China – China Media Group (CMG) has officially announced its extensive coverage plans for a dynamic 2026 sports calendar, promising an unparalleled viewing experience for audiences across domestic and international events. The announcement, made on Tuesday, December 10, 2025, highlights CMG's commitment to delivering top-tier sports content, leveraging advanced technology, and fostering a deeper appreciation for sportsmanship and public fitness.
A "Golden" Year for Sports Enthusiasts
CMG’s 2026 broadcasting schedule is headlined by an impressive list of 43 "Golden Events," featuring some of the most anticipated competitions on the global stage. Among these cornerstone events are the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, will be a particular focus, with CMG having secured exclusive broadcast rights in the Chinese mainland and Macao SAR for all Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032. This long-term agreement, signed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on November 9, 2025, in Guangzhou, underscores a significant partnership between CMG and the Olympic movement.
Beyond the Olympic spectacle, CMG’s year-long coverage will encompass a wide array of top-tier professional leagues and tournaments. Football fans can look forward to broadcasts of major European football leagues and the Chinese Super League. Basketball enthusiasts will be treated to action from the NBA and CBA, while tennis aficionados will have access to all four Grand Slams. This diverse portfolio ensures that a broad spectrum of sports fans will find compelling content throughout the year.
Technological Innovation at the Forefront
A hallmark of CMG’s 2026 strategy is its ambitious integration of cutting-edge broadcasting technologies. For the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, CMG is set to be the only media outlet participating in 8K signal production, signifying a significant leap in immersive viewing. The group has established an integrated broadcasting matrix, utilizing three sports TV channels, new media platforms, and radio frequencies to achieve the widest possible coverage, event count, and user reach.
The deployment of advanced technology extends to on-site operations. CMG has already begun shipping broadcasting equipment to Italy, with the first load of 1,026 items packed into 18 box trucks having departed from Beijing. This equipment includes two Chinese Red UHD broadcasting vehicles and one cube UHD broadcasting system, designed to provide 4K and 8K Ultra High-Definition support for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as critical events like figure skating and short track speed skating. Notably, CMG will, for the first time in history, be responsible for the production of the 4K ultra high-definition international signal for figure skating and short track speed skating events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Wang Dagang, CMG Broadcasting Technical Runner for the 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighted that this initiative marks the first time CMG and home-made technical systems will play main roles in the production of standard international signal for Olympic opening and closing ceremonies, effectively breaking the monopoly of traditional European and American technologies.
Studios have been strategically set up at iconic locations such as the Milan Cathedral and the Livigno snow sports venue, aiming to blend Italy's rich cultural heritage with the passion of winter sports. Furthermore, CMG plans to deeply integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and 8K ultra-high-definition broadcasting into event coverage and signal production, promising an unforgettable Olympic experience.
Original Programming and Global Recognition
Beyond live event coverage, CMG is also innovating with original programming and new sports events. The organization will launch its own initiatives, including "CMG Sports Prime" and "CMG Football Super Cup," designed to stress the importance of public fitness and promote the spirit of sports across the country. These programs aim to provide in-depth coverage of real-time event updates and athlete highlights.
The significance of CMG's expanded sports coverage has garnered international recognition from prominent figures in the sports world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Olympic Council of Asia Deputy Director General Vinod Kumar Tiwari, and ITTF President Sebastian Coe have all expressed their acknowledgment and hope for sustainable cooperation with CMG in the upcoming year through video messages. This widespread endorsement underscores CMG's growing influence and its pivotal role in the global sports media landscape.
The long-term media rights agreement with the IOC, which covers all Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032, signifies a renewed commitment to promoting the Olympic Movement in China. IOC President Kirsty Coventry, during her first visit to China since taking office, emphasized the significance of signing this agreement on the same day as the opening ceremony of China's 15th National Games, noting that it strengthens the long-standing relationship between CMG and the IOC and represents a shared commitment to promoting peace and unity through sport. Former IOC President Thomas Bach also attended the signing ceremony, praising CMG's excellent work and professionalism.
As 2026 approaches, CMG's comprehensive plans for sports broadcasting, marked by technological advancements, diverse content, and strategic partnerships, are set to redefine how audiences experience major sporting events, both domestically and internationally. The stage is set for a truly golden year of sports entertainment.
