Sportcal

FEI secures new long-term WBD deal in Europe and Asia

WBD will show international FEI events in 75 markets across the two regions.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has agreed a new multi-year broadcast deal with media giant Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) that will see its major events shown in 75 markets across Europe and Asia.

These include the entire FEI League of Nations season until at least 2027, the FEI Jumping World Cup Western European League and FEI Jumping World Cup North American League (NAL) through the 2027-2028 season, and the FEI Jumping World Cup Finals until 2028.

Live coverage and highlights of all events will be aired on Eurosport’s television channels in addition to live and on-demand streaming access on the Discovery+ and Max OTT platforms.

Discovery+ is currently available in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and Ireland. Max will initially launch in 25 countries in Europe that currently offer HBO Max, integrating Eurosport content and replacing Discovery+ or the Eurosport App.

Trojan Paillot, senior vice president of sports rights acquisitions and syndications at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “As a premium multi-sport broadcaster, our mission is to offer the greatest choice through a compelling content offer for fans.

“We are pleased to harness our deep sports expertise in tandem with our reach and ability to engage the widest audience across all platforms to help further grow sports such as equestrian.

“By working as a trusted partner to federations such as the FEI, where we enjoy a highly successful long-term relationship, we have a proven track record of exposing new fans to a plethora of different sports while keeping them engaged throughout the year.”

Ralph Straus, commercial director at FEI, added: “The FEI's deep understanding of equestrian audiences, coupled with WBD's expertise in TV broadcast to deliver the stories of athletes and the sport, has proven to be an ideal combination.

“With the launch of the new Longines League of Nations series and the excitement surrounding the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and the Olympic Games, there is no better time than this year to take our working relationship to the next level.”