Eurosport, leading international sports media group, announced today an agreement with its new stakeholder, Discovery Communications, that will bring its flagship Eurosport TV channel to U.S. viewers for the first time in its 24-year history.
From September 28, a new Saturday afternoon programming block “Eurosport on Velocity” featuring motorsports highlights will air from 1-3 PM ET/PT, with encore presentations airing every Sunday morning on Discovery’s Velocity channel, the first U.S. cable network targeting an upscale male audience.
Eurosport Group CEO, Jean-Thierry Augustin, comments, “This is the first programming agreement with Discovery since our partnership was forged at the end of 2012. It’s a great example of the powerful synergies and opportunities we can create together. For the first time in Eurosport’s history, American viewers will have a sight of our channel’s expert sports TV production and best-in-class commentary. We’re delighted our TV channel’s initial programming steps into the U.S. will be on our stakeholder’s channel, Velocity.”
“Eurosport on Velocity” is one more way we are strengthening Velocity’s connection with our target audience,” said Bob Scanlon, general manager of Velocity. “As the only home for Eurosport in the U.S., Velocity is delivering unique programming that no other U.S.-based network can offer to viewers. We’re excited to be the American flagship for such a well-established, high-quality brand like Eurosport and look forward to working with the Eurosport team.”
In the first season, “Eurosport on Velocity” introduces four motorsport series to U.S. audiences:
- Running from January to November across Europe, the 2013 FIA European Rally Championship features eleven exciting events on asphalt, gravel and snow. Velocity will carry all the race highlights. The series is managed and promoted by Eurosport Events, the Eurosport Group’s expert division which delivers all aspects of sporting event management, ranging from TV production to media rights distribution, marketing and commercial investment.
- British Superbikes is one of the “big three” in motorcycle racing alongside MotoGP & the Superbike World Championships. Attracting 32 world class riders from all over the world and powered by 16 elite teams featuring leading manufacturers Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Ducati, Kawasaki, BMW & Aprilia; the new “showdown” format to deliver intense racing all season long.
- The Silk Way Rally is the second largest rally event in the world. Kicking off in Moscow, over 130 rally cars and trucks race across the Russian Federation – covering more than 3000 kilometres over seven days.
- Considered one of the most prestigious international cross country rallies, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge is a 5 day motorsport spectacular featuring motorcycle, quad-bike, four wheel and truck competitors. (Source: Eurosport press release)