US TV network NBC and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) have partnered to purchase the media rights to the next two editions of the Paralympic Games – Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016. Spectators will be able to watch 116 hours of coverage in the United States, 50 hours for Sochi 2014 and 66 hours for Rio 2016. In the case of the Summer Games this will represent an increase of 60.5 hours compared with the coverage of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games are set to be an unforgettable experience, with an anticipated record of 4,350 athletes from more than 150 countries competing for medals in 22 sports. The first edition in South America is expected to repeat London’s broadcasting success, which reached 3.8 billion people in 115 countries.

“We are delighted that NBC will broadcast more coverage than ever before in the US,” said Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman. "We are working closely together with the International Paralympic Committee to continue the growth of Paralympic sport and we are confident that the images broadcast from the Rio Games in 2016 will inspire and excite sports fans around the world."

Around 700 athletes are expected at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Games. They will compete in seven disciplines of five sports. In total, there will be 72 medal events – 34 for men, 34 for women and four mixed.

Besides TV coverage, the United States Olympic Committee will offer live online coverage of both events on the TeamUSA.org website.