Discovery has further expanded its coverage of the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans for the largest global audience as part of a renewed agreement with ACO, through its exclusive media rights partner Infront and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Through Discovery’s portfolio of motorsport brands and channels, the partnership comprises coverage from every round of the FIA WEC including qualifying, available live and on-demand for viewers in more than 100 markets across Europe, North America and Asia. 

Eurosport, Discovery’s leading multi-sport brand, will provide exclusive coverage of 24 Hours of Le Mans - motorsport’s oldest race – across its channels and digital platforms in more than 50 markets across Europe*. Discovery’s MotorTrend App and MotorTrend TV will show exclusive coverage for US viewers with the action available on Velocity television and streaming on the MotorTrend App in Canada. Discovery’s recently launched global streaming service discovery+ will also screen the race via Eurosport and MotorTrend TV in available markets.

Trojan Paillot, VP Rights Acquisitions and Syndication, Eurosport said: “24 Hours of Le Mans is steeped in history as one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and is a race that forms a key part of our live motorsport offering for fans.

“Combining our deep sports expertise and storytelling ability with Discovery’s global scale, we’re pleased our renewed agreement with Infront will see us continue to screen the best motorsport events to millions, further expanding the reach of Le Mans and the WEC to the widest possible audience.”

Frédéric Lequien, FIA WEC CEO, added: “It is fantastic that the WEC will be shown in more than 100 markets and territories as part of this new broadcast deal with Discovery. As we are set to welcome a host of global manufacturers over the next couple of years in our new Hypercar category, it’s important to have increased visibility and we are confident we can achieve this thanks to Discovery’s diverse portfolio of motorosport brands and channels.” 

Discovery will also harness the world’s best motorsport talent to front its coverage of 24 Hours of Le Mans with record nine-time champion Tom Kristensen continuing in his role as expert for Eurosport for the 2021 season, bringing viewers closer to the action.  

Discovery’s comprehensive motorsport portfolio provides world-class coverage of the biggest championships and races globally, offering something for everyone. As well as Discovery’s stake in Formula E, Eurosport Events’ deep motorsport expertise includes organisation and promotion of series on two and four wheels including the FIA European Rally Championship (ERC), FIA World Tour Car Championship (WTCR), the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) and PURE ETCR (FIA eTouring Car World Cup from 2022). MotorTrend is the world’s largest automotive media company serving passionate fans with original automotive shows, live motorsport and car enthusiast programming.

The next round of the FIA WEC will be staged at Monza in Italy (16-18 July), with the 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans to take place the following month (21-22 August).

Full rights and exclusivity:

24 Hours of Le Mans:

Territories A, B and C: All Rights are granted on an exclusive basis, subject to Special Conditions (below). 

Territories D: All Rights are granted on a non-exclusive basis.

FIA World Endurance Championship:

Territories A, B and D: All Rights are granted on a non-exclusive basis

Territories C: All Rights are granted on an exclusive basis with the exception of French language in Canada.

Territories:

Territories A: 

Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vatican State. 

Territories B: 

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland. 

Territories C: 

North American territories: USA and Canada rights will be added as part of a new agreement from 2022. Discovery will provide coverage in 2021 as part of its existing deal.

Territories D: 

Asia-Pacific territories: Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kiribati Islands, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nepal, Niue, North Korea, North Mariana Islands, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Philippines, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna Islands.

Special conditions:

*Non-exclusive coverage of 24h of Le Mans in some Territories B. 

**Exclusive digital coverage of 24h of Le Mans in North America