Sky adds to Extreme E viewing options in UK and Ireland

Extreme E, the electric off-road racing series that debuts in March, has doubled down on its broadcast options in the UK and Ireland, signing an agreement with leading pay-television operator Sky.

The BBC, the UK public-service broadcaster, and Virgin Media Television in Republic of Ireland are already slated to cover the inaugural season, and Sky said today it will show the series in both countries.

Sky already holds exclusive rights in the UK to Formula 1, which it shows on a channel dedicated to the sport.

As well as the five races, Sky will offer Extreme E highlights, previews, reviews and the series’ magazine show.

Ali Russell, chief marketing officer at Extreme E, said today: “Sky Sports is one of the leading sports broadcasters in the world and I’m delighted it will show Extreme E. The UK and Ireland has a huge appetite for motorsport and with the help of Sky Sports, we will reach a massive audience through this partnership.

“But our collaboration is about a lot more than airing exciting racing, as we share a common mission around the environment, it is fantastic to see the great work Sky is doing around its business practices and investments to protect our planet. Through our shows we will highlight the climate crisis and what we as a championship is doing to help, and how everyone can make a difference.”

Extreme E will race in Saudi Arabia (Desert leg), Senegal (Ocean), Greenland (Arctic), Brazil (Amazon) and Argentine Patagonia (Glacier), with all locations chosen to highlight damage caused by climate change.

As a result, Extreme E will use zero emission racing and a sustainable remote broadcast model.

Sky said Extreme E complements its sustainability projects, such as Sky Zero, its stated aim to go net-carbon zero by 2030, and Sky Ocean Rescue, which aims to inspire people to make everyday changes to #PassOnPlastic. 

Rob Webster, Sky Sports managing director said: “We are really pleased to add Extreme E to our portfolio of live sport. The series not only brings an exciting new racing circuit to the calendar of our motorsport fans, but also carries an important message around climate change. At Sky, we believe that our voice and reach can play a vital role in empowering our customers, partners and industry peers to build a better world.”

Other Extreme E rights-holders in Europe include: Mediaset (Italy); Cosmote TV (Greece); RTL 7 (the Netherlands); ORF (Austria); Arena Sport (Balkans); MySports (Switzerland); and BTRC (Belarus).