Eurosport Signs Deal to Air in the U.S. for First Time

Sports media group Eurosport have announced a landmark partnership with its new stakeholder, Discovery Communications, to bring its flagship Eurosport TV channel to U.S. viewers for the first time in its 24-year history. 

From September 28, a new Saturday afternoon programming block “Eurosport on Velocity” featuring motorsports highlights will air from 1-3 PM ET/PT, with encore presentations airing every Sunday morning on Discovery’s Velocity channel, the first U.S. cable network targeting an upscale male audience. 

Eurosport Group CEO, Jean-Thierry Augustin, commented: “This is the first programming agreement with Discovery since our partnership was forged at the end of 2012.  It’s a great example of the powerful synergies and opportunities we can create together.  For the first time in Eurosport’s history, American viewers will have a sight of our channel’s expert sports TV production and best-in-class commentary.  We’re delighted our TV channel’s initial programming steps into the U.S. will be on our stakeholder’s channel, Velocity.” 

In the first season, “Eurosport on Velocity” will showcase four new motorsport series including the 2013 FIA European Rally Championship, British Superbikes, The Silk Way Rally and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

“Eurosport on Velocity” is one more way we are strengthening Velocity’s connection with our target audience,” said Bob Scanlon, general manager of Velocity. “As the only home for Eurosport in the U.S., Velocity is delivering unique programming that no other U.S.-based network can offer to viewers.  We’re excited to be the American flagship for such a well-established, high-quality brand like Eurosport and look forward to working with the Eurosport team.”