The Lagardère Sports agency has signed a four-year rights partnership with the International Weightlifting Federation.
Under the deal, from 2017 to 2020, Lagardère will serve as the IWF’s strategic media partner and host broadcaster for the next three editions of the global governing body's World Championships.
The agency will also market the global television rights for the events, and serve as a consultant to the IWF as it seeks to reimagine its Grand Prix series.
Dennis Spencer, senior vice-president of media at Lagardère Sports, said: “There is a great appetite for IWF content around the world. Through a long-term strategic partnership, we will be able to give these events the global visibility they deserve, while creating a consistent, high-level product. This will result in a better outcome for everyone involved with the sport of weightlifting – including the fans, athletes, host cities, sponsors and broadcasters.”
This year’s World Championships will run from November 28 to December 5 in Anaheim, California. The 2018 and 2019 events will be held in Lima, Peru and Pattaya, Thailand, respectively.