EUROSPORT STRIKES MULTI-MARKET WIMBLEDON RETURN

Eurosport has strengthened its position as the premier destination for tennis fans in Europe by striking a new four-year deal to show The Championships, Wimbledon, in 11 European markets from 2020.

Eurosport, Discovery’s premium sports brand, has secured exclusive live rights to the event in the Czech Republic and Slovakia for the first time, and renewed its agreement in a further nine territories – Belgium, Finland, Iceland, Hungary, Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Russia and Sweden – from 2020 until 2023.

This year, Eurosport screened over 600 matches and 250 hours of live coverage from Wimbledon in 33 markets with all courts available on Eurosport’s over-the-top streaming service, Eurosport Player. The new deals will ensure the same comprehensive coverage in these markets for the next four editions of the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. 

Commenting on the partnership with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which stages The Championships, Andrew Georgiou, President Eurosport and Global Sports Rights and Sports Marketing Solutions, said: “Our commitment to tennis, and its fans, is further strengthened by the addition of exclusive Wimbledon coverage in Czech Republic and Slovakia and the long-term renewal in nine more markets.

“Eurosport has a proud heritage screening the greatest events on the tennis calendar, with fans recognising our experience in delivering the best storytelling told through the best experts and innovative use of technology. Recent results show that our multi-screen content strategy is driving video and streaming growth for our tennis coverage, engaging and growing audiences on all platforms and all screens.”

Mick Desmond, Commercial & Media Director at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, welcomed the enhanced partnership with Eurosport: “Europe is a key market for The Championships and we are delighted that Eurosport’s exceptional coverage of Wimbledon will continue to be broadcast from 2020 onwards.”

During 2019, Eurosport experienced significant growth in digital viewership for its Grand Slam coverage, with a 20% increase in unique views via its online streaming service, the Eurosport Player, compared to 2018*. The average viewing time for Grand Slam tournaments on the platform has also witnessed a big boost with users watching for 36% longer, on average, versus last year.

In 2020, Eurosport will continue to present the Australian Open, Roland-Garros and US Open in more than 50 markets and will screen every available singles and doubles match from each Grand Slam tournament with comprehensive coverage on all platforms and devices.

In addition to its comprehensive Grand Slam coverage, Eurosport has the exclusive long-term rights to ATP Tour coverage in France and Russia, plus Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

*Figures based on 2019 Australian Open, Roland-Garros and the US Open, excluding Wimbledon.