Live coverage of British Speedway events will be broadcast exclusively on Eurosport for the next five years, starting in 2020.
The Discovery-owned broadcaster will take over from BT Sport and screen live on-site coverage from 18 rounds across the domestic SGB Premiership season, the top tier of British Speedway, with teams from all over the UK competing for points across a calendar which runs from March to October.
Highlights from every round will also be available for the first time on free-to-air television via Discovery’s UK channels Quest and DMAX, while fans will also be able to stream all the action live and catch-up on demand via Eurosport Player.
The deal strengthens Eurosport’s portfolio of two-wheel motorsport, joining exclusive live coverage of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, FIM Superbike World Championship, Speedway Euro Championship and Under-21 World Championship.
Eurosport also broadcasts live coverage of the FIA Formula-E Championship and prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Commenting on the arrival of British Speedway to Eurosport screens for the first time, Simon Downing, Head of Factual and Sport Discovery UK, said:
“We’re delighted to add British Speedway to our growing motorsport offer. We see this as a valuable addition to make Eurosport the go-to destination for some of the most exciting two-wheel championships.”
“It’s a fantastic series and we look forward to delivering first-class production and a great viewing experience to what we know is a hugely-passionate fanbase.”
“Eurosport has a rich heritage in motorsport, and we’re very pleased to be able to extend the coverage to free-to-air audiences on Quest and DMAX.”
BT Sport held the rights to broadcast British Speedway events between 2017 and 2019, having taken over from long-standing rights holders Sky Sports.
Despite the loss of domestic speedway coverage, BT Sport will continue to cover the FIM Speedway events, including the Grand Prix series, until at least 2021.
Keith Chapman, Chairman of the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, added:
“We have been thrilled by the interest shown from broadcasters wishing to be part of our exciting sport during our recent tender process.
Recognising that media rights are vital to the development of our sport, we set up a separate media working group, led by Adrian Smith from Belle Vue Speedway and engaged the services of an external specialist consultant, Sadie Wigglesworth of Hatfits Limited, to lead us through this important process and we are delighted to have concluded a long-term partnership with a major broadcaster in Eurosport.
“A significant attraction for us has been the strong free-to-air component, with British Speedway being available on Quest and DMAX from 2020 onwards. This enables greater access for existing speedway fans as well as providing new platforms to attract a wider audience to this great sport.”
Alongside extensive TV and online coverage, Eurosport’s digital platforms with provide near-live action clipping, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment, while the latest news and events will be covered in-depth via Eurosport.co.uk.
