Qatar’s beIN Sports wins LA 2028 media rights in buildup to 2036 Olympics bid
Qatar's state broadcaster beIN Sports has obtained the Middle East and North Africa rights to air the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, a move that adds momentum to Doha's bid for the 2036 Olympics. The deal, signed at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, underscores Qatar's growing sports portfolio while…
Qatar’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympic Games received a notable lift this week when the state‑owned network beIN Sports secured the broadcasting rights for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The agreement, formalised at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games, was signed by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry and beIN chairman Nasser al‑Khelaifi, signalling Qatar’s deepening involvement in the Olympic movement.
How the deal was clinched
During a series of high‑profile meetings in Italy, beIN Sports confirmed it will air LA 2028 on all of its regional channels and on its streaming platform TOD. The contract follows beIN’s earlier acquisition of Olympic rights in 2015 and a last‑minute arrangement to stream the 2026 Winter Games. While al‑Khelaifi does not sit on the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) that is steering the 2036 bid, his dual role as president of Paris Saint‑Germain and board member of the Qatar Investment Authority links the media deal to the broader state‑driven sports strategy.
Why the LA 2028 rights matter for Doha’s 2036 bid
Qatar’s bid for the 2036 Games is still in the early "continuous dialogue" phase with the IOC, a status that allows the nation to refine its proposal while gauging support. The country’s pitch leans heavily on the legacy of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which left 95% of the required venues already built. Existing stadiums, a newly‑completed metro system, and the globally‑connected Hamad International Airport are presented as evidence of financial and environmental sustainability.
Winning the LA 2028 rights enhances Qatar’s credibility as a capable broadcaster and showcases its technical capacity to deliver high‑quality Olympic coverage to a large audience. It also demonstrates the nation’s willingness to invest in the Olympic brand long before a host city is selected, a factor that the IOC often weighs when assessing bid strength.
The competing bid from Ahmedabad, India
Across the Arabian Sea, Ahmedabad is emerging as Qatar’s principal rival for the 2036 slot. The Indian city, the political stronghold of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), enjoys heavyweight backing from domestic leaders and influential IOC members such as Nita Ambani, whose family’s wealth exceeds $120 billion. Ambani has been lobbying for India’s Olympic ambitions since the Paris 2024 Games.
Financial projections for Ahmedabad suggest a cost of roughly $7.5 billion, considerably higher than the $5 billion budget earmarked for Los Angeles 2028. While the Indian proposal promises new infrastructure and a massive domestic market, Qatar counters with a "green" narrative that emphasises re‑using existing World Cup facilities and limiting new construction.
Challenges facing Qatar’s Olympic aspirations
Despite the impressive sports portfolio, Doha’s bid must navigate several contentious issues. International critics have highlighted Qatar’s record on LGBTQ+ rights and the historically limited participation of women in its Olympic teams. The nation sent its first female athletes to the Olympics only in 2012, and representation remains modest, with a single female sprinter at the Paris Games.
Moreover, the QOC was only recognised by the IOC in 1980, making Qatar one of the newer members of the Olympic family. The lack of a deep Olympic heritage could be a hurdle, especially when juxtaposed against India’s massive population and political clout.
What comes next for the 2036 race
The IOC will continue its dialogue with both Doha and Ahmedabad over the coming months, evaluating each city’s technical plans, financial guarantees, and legacy promises. A formal bid submission is expected in the next two years, after which the IOC Executive Board will shortlist candidates for a final vote.
For Qatar, the beIN Sports deal is both a practical step—ensuring MENA viewers can watch LA 2028—and a symbolic one, underscoring the nation’s long‑term commitment to the Olympic movement. Whether that commitment translates into a successful 2036 bid will depend on how effectively Doha can address human‑rights concerns, demonstrate lasting legacy benefits, and out‑maneuver a well‑funded Indian contender.
Why it matters
The media rights win strengthens Qatar’s sports credibility and adds momentum to its 2036 Olympic bid, a contest that will shape the future of global sporting events.
Key points
- beIN Sports secured MENA broadcast rights for LA 2028
- The deal was signed at the Milan‑Cortina Winter Games by IOC President Kirsty Coventry and beIN chair Nasser al‑Khelaifi
- Qatar’s 2036 bid relies on existing World Cup infrastructure and sustainability claims
- Ahmedabad, India is Qatar’s main rival, backed by political heavyweights and a $7.5 billion budget
- Human‑rights and gender‑participation issues remain challenges for Doha’s proposal
Frequently asked questions
What does beIN Sports' LA 2028 rights deal mean for Qatar's Olympic bid?
It showcases Qatar’s ability to manage major Olympic broadcasting, reinforcing its claim of financial and operational competence to the IOC.
Who are the main competitors for the 2036 Olympic Games?
Doha, Qatar and Ahmedabad, India are the two leading candidates, each backed by strong governmental and private sector support.
When will the IOC decide on the 2036 host city?
A formal decision is expected after the bid submission phase, likely within the next two to three years following a shortlist and final vote.
.jpg?w=1120&h=630)
