IOC sells Japan 2014, '16 Games rights for $472M

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) - The IOC awarded Japanese broadcast rights to the 2014 and 2016 Olympics to a national consortium Friday in a $472 million deal.

The Japan Consortium includes state broadcaster NHK and the National Association of Commercial Broadcasters of Japan.

Four years ago, the same group paid what is now $426 million for rights to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games and 2012 London Olympics.

International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said in a statement his organization is "delighted'' to continue its relationship with the Japanese consortium.''

The 2014 Winter Games will be in Sochi, Russia. Rio de Janeiro will host the 2016 Summer Games.