Eurosport Signs Giro D’italia Rights
Eurosport Group and RCS Sport have announced the extension and enhancement of their long term partnership for an additional four years, which will see, for the first time, extended live production and broadcasting in High Definition on races including the Giro d’Italia.
The deal covers 2013 to 2016 and involves TV and digital rights for the Giro, as well as five other major Italian cycling races: Milan – Sanremo, the Giro di Lombardia, Tirreno-Adriatico, Strade Bianche and Roma Maxima.
The agreement includes all 70 territories covered by Eurosport in Europe and Asia-Pacific region. In a change to the previous deal Eurosport now has exclusive rights, in 59 countries, including key markets such as UK, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Poland.
More live action will also be produced with three hours live per stage for the Giro – it was previously two and a minimum of two hours live for the other races per day of competition. All races will also be available in HD for the first time.
As part of the deal Eurosport now has sub-licensing rights for the Italian races in all the European territories where Eurosport is exclusive.
Digital rights will see all races broadcast online and on mobile on the Eurosport Player online streaming service.
IMG Media was appointed by RCS Sport last year as their exclusive worldwide audiovisual rights consultant and distributor until 2020.
Laurent-Eric Le Lay, chairman, Eurosport Group said: ‘Eurosport has been a long-term partner of Giro d’Italia since 1998 and contributed to the continuous growth of this premium property in Europe and to the development of its notoriety in Asia and Pacific. We are pleased to extend this partnership for four additional years.’
‘With increased live coverage of Giro and other Italian races, HD quality and new exclusivities in 59 countries, Eurosport significantly consolidates its cycling offer. In 2013 our cycling portfolio is more than ever unrivalled and features the best events of the season with the three big Tours, the great classics and more than 40 races.’
Giacomo Catano, RCS Sport chief executive officer added: ‘We are so proud and happy about this contract renewal with Eurosport for the TV coverage of our cycling events. Eurosport has been our partner since 1998 and we appreciate this continuous partnership based on mutual trust.’
‘We are confident that it will grant both RCS Sport and Eurosport improved results in terms of quality of production and consequently a high audience. On our side, the extensive coverage that Eurosport can guarantee in Europe and in Asia-Pacific is a key factor.’
