The BBC has struck a two-year deal to broadcast NFL matches, including the 50th Super Bowl in 2016, days after the corporation said upcoming budget cuts would mean a tighter focus on key areas, such as more TV drama.

The deal, which sees the BBC win back the rights it lost to Channel 4 in 2013, includes live games and highlights coverage across TV, radio and online.

It is a rare TV sports rights win for the corporation, which in recent months has lost the bulk of Six Nations rugby to ITV, Open Championship golf to Sky and control of the destiny of Olympics coverage to Discovery.



“NFL has a growing fan base in the UK and I’m delighted that the BBC can bring it free-to-air for our audience,” said Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport.



Alistair Kirkwood, managing director of NFL UK, said: “We are very pleased and excited to be back on the BBC. As we look to expand our reach and create new fans, the BBC’s free-to-air and digital platforms offer us a fantastic opportunity for further growth of our sport.”

This season, the Wembley clash between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins on 4 October will be exclusively live on BBC2.

Channel 4’s broadcast of the 2014 Super Bowl peaked at 1.2 million at 11.30pm on a Sunday night.

Sky UK has the TV rights to the lion’s share of NFL matches airing 70 live games this season.