The landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, particularly with the recent announcement that TNT and discovery+ will showcase events organized by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) over the next four years. This landmark agreement, established between Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports Europe and the IFSC, guarantees that fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland will have access to all IFSC Climbing and Para Climbing World Cup as well as World Championship events. This commitment ensures that millions of enthusiasts can follow the thrilling, high-stakes action of sport climbing, further solidifying its place as a captivating spectacle.
Notably, this collaboration promises not only to broadcast live events but also to enrich the narrative surrounding climbing athletes. The intention behind this partnership is to elevate the profiles of these athletes as prominent figures within the sport, particularly as they gear up for the upcoming Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Los Angeles. The initiative represents a concerted effort to highlight personal stories and the human elements behind each athlete’s journey, thereby engendering a deeper connection with fans and fostering broader engagement with the sport itself.
As we look forward to the restructured IFSC World Cup series commencing in April 2025, the calendar reflects exciting events for both competitors and spectators alike. The season will kick off with the Boulder events slated to take place in Keqiao, China, starting on April 18th. This inaugural event is particularly exciting with the return of prominent athletes like Natalia Grossman from the United States and Japan’s Sorato Anraku, both of whom captured the titles at the 2024 Boulder World Cup. Their participation is sure to generate significant buzz and engagement as they face off against other top-tier athletes.
The specific schedule for sport climbing events has been meticulously arranged, presenting an array of opportunities for fans to catch high-stakes competitions across different disciplines. For instance, from April 18 to 20, 2025, the Boulder event in Keqiao will set the tone for the season, followed by several other competitions in diverse locations including Wuijiang, Bali, Curitiba, and Salt Lake City. Notably, the events will also encompass Para Climbing competitions, underscoring the inclusivity and variety offered within the sport.
As the season progresses, joy will abound in venues from Denver, Prague, and Bern to Innsbruck, highlighting both Boulder and Lead events, while also showcasing Speed climbing competitions in Krakow and Chamonix. In addition, premier events will be centered around Madrid, Koper, and Seoul as it culminates in the World Championships, a critical highlight of the season where athletes will compete in all disciplines before the season closes in Laval, France in late October.
For fans eager to watch these electrifying sport climbing events, TNT Sports ensures accessibility through a robust offering that spans major television platforms. Viewers can enjoy a lineup that includes up to four dedicated TNT Sports channels (TNT Sports 1 to TNT Sports 4) while also benefiting from additional digital options, including up to six supplementary channels. Subscriptions can be conveniently obtained via multiple providers, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
In conclusion, this agreement between Warner Bros. Discovery and the IFSC represents a significant advancement in sports broadcasting, showcasing not only the exhilarating world of sport climbing but also amplifying the athletes’ stories and contributions to the discipline. As the thrilling events unfold over the next four years, fans can expect unprecedented access to lives of their favorite athletes and the opportunity to witness the emergence of new stars in this dynamic sport.