Overview

• The agreement was announced on September 3 after two days of talks at Palazzo Bellevue, and detailed terms have not been disclosed.
• The arrangement covers the 2026–2028 cycle with an option for two additional years, pending administrative approvals that include a Rai board meeting on September 18 and a Sanremo Giunta review.
• The 2026 edition is scheduled for February 24–28, with Carlo Conti already designated as artistic director.
• After rulings by TAR Liguria and the Consiglio di Stato required a public procedure, Rai emerged as the sole bidder and entered negotiations with the city.
• Just Entertainment’s legal challenge to the tender remains active, with TAR Liguria due to rule on October 17, and the tender sets a minimum €6.5 million per edition, at least 1% of advertising revenues to the Comune, and a 15‑point audience ‘anti‑flop’ clause.