The ABC's decision to end 67 years of broadcasting the Olympics live on radio has been met with shock and disappointment from staff and listeners.

The national broadcaster confirmed on Monday it would not buy the non-commercial Australian radio rights for next year's Tokyo Games, bringing to an end decades of live Olympics commentary.

The ABC has ended a 67-year tradition of broadcasting the Olympics. Credit:Craig Golding

"The decision was made due to the cost of covering the Games as well as budget pressures and the changing broadcast environment," an ABC spokesman said. "This means the ABC will not be providing live commentary for the Olympics on radio, however ABC News and ABC Grandstand will provide daily Olympic updates throughout the event."

The spokesman said it was an "incredibly tough decision" but the ABC had to consider other budget priorities and Australians' increased ability to access Olympics coverage in other ways.