The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), an alliance of public service broadcasters across Europe, has today launched its first direct-to-consumer (DTC) streaming platform.
The Eurovision Sport service has been created to “enhance the amount of free public access to sports content across Europe.”
Through the launch of the platform, a wide variety of events will receive additional exposure with thousands of hours of content set to be streamed in a single digital destination - complementing existing coverage provided by public service media.
Eurovision Sport will work alongside the EBU’s network of public service members to provide widespread coverage of a host of Olympic sports including athletics, gymnastics, skiing, and swimming.
It will feature events from World to European Championships, multi-sport events, and national championships.
The competitions to be broadcast on the digital platform will initially include this month’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha (February 2-18), the upcoming International Biathlon Union World Championships (February 7-18) in Czechia, and next month’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow (March 1-3).
The service will also cover the America’s Cup later this year after the EBU acquired the media rights to the 37th edition of sailing's premier race in 39 territories.
The EBU has worked alongside Nagravision to develop and operate the streaming platform.
Eurovision Sport is accessible online, as an app, and, later in the year, will be made available through connected TVs and selected free ad-supported streaming TV channels.
The EBU currently manages the media rights for 14 sports on behalf of public service media through agreements with 28 international sports federations.
Noel Curran, the EBU’s Director General, said: “Eurovision Sport is a game-changer for sports fans across Europe and right around the world.
“Currently only a third of sports fans have access to premium sports channels. Through its free streaming, we hope Eurovision Sport will democratize access to live sports coverage and help grow individual sports through visibility and engagement.”
Glen Killane, executive director for sport at the EBU, said: “With the support of public service media, we’ll be able to provide sports federations with an unrivaled shop window for their sports around the world.
“In this fragmented digital world, it is difficult and expensive for sports fans to find and access the sport they love and for sports federations to attract new audiences. This digital platform provides a solution to both of those problems. Together with our members, the EBU will ensure that every second of our events is available to all for free in every country in Europe and around the world.
“Diversity and inclusion are also at the heart of this platform. The EBU and our members have the most gender-balanced range of sports rights in the market and women’s sports will be a key part of our ongoing strategy.”
