Bt Sport Extends Hockey Rights Deal
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has agreed a new four-year partnership with BT Sport, which will give the broadcaster exclusive UK and Ireland rights to international hockey until 2022.
Properties covered by the agreement include the new, 152-game-a-year FIH Pro League, World Cups, Series Finals and Olympic Qualifiers.
Under the deal, BT Sport will show more than 600 hours of live and exclusive hockey content each year across all its platforms.
The announcement came as the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup got underway at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.
BT Sport, which is also the exclusive UK broadcaster of the event, is taking the opportunity to showcase a number of its hockey broadcast innovations, including screening matches in 4K Ultra-High Definition (UHD) using High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Dolby Atmos surround sound.
Commenting on the development, FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “With BT Sport having been at the forefront of innovation and technology within our sport, we’re delighted to agree this new long-term partnership for our flagship events with a broadcaster that reflects our ambitious Hockey Revolution strategy. Their world-class coverage and content creation will not only be key to enagaging millions more followers across the planet, but also an inspiration to other broadcasters showcasing our sport.”
Jamie Hindhaugh, COO BT Sport, added: “It’s a hugely exciting time for international hockey and we’re delighted to continue showcasing our groundbreaking coverage for another four years. Brand new competitions like the FIH Pro League further demonstrates the range of world class men’s and women’s sport that viewers can regularly enjoy on BT Sport.”
England Hockey CEO Sally Munday said: “BT Sport have been a fantastic partner for our sport and I am delighted that they have agreed this new long-term contract with the FIH. With the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup about to start here in London, this is the perfect opportunity to see how much BT’s coverage brings our game to life both on and off the pitch. Our vision is to create ‘A Nation Where Hockey Matters’ and the FIH’s agreement with BT Sport helps us move even closer to that.”
