Discovery picks up broadcast and streaming rights to Extreme E in more than 50 markets

Discovery has acquired the rights to Extreme E, the all-electric SUV off-road racing series across the US and Europe.

The first series of five races will commence next year, Lac Rose, Dakar, Senegal on  January 23-24 2021.

The three-year deal will see Discovery broadcast Extreme E in more than 50 markets on pan-European network Eurosport and on subscription streamer MotorTrend in North America where it already has a deal in place with Fox Sports. The broadcaster will have rights to live races along with highlights and on-demand in the local market’s languages.

Ali Russell, chief marketing officer at Extreme E, said: “It is fantastic news that Discovery has joined our expanding list of broadcast partners. With its extensive portfolio of channels and direct-to-consumer platforms around dedicated passion verticals, Discovery’s brands are visible all over the world and will be instrumental in bringing Extreme E to a truly global audience.

“We are working really hard to have everything in place for Season 1 and deliver a truly engaging range of programmes, not only from a race perspective but also to highlight our three key pillars: environment, equality and electrification.”

Trojan Paillot, VP rights acquisitions at Eurosport, said: “By partnering with Extreme E, we are harnessing our global portfolio of brands, channels and products across the wider Discovery network to scale a unique and invigorating event to viewers across the world.

“We have a rich history of showcasing the world’s most exciting and sustainable motorsport events including Formula E and Eurosport Events operated PURE ETCR, the world’s first all-electric touring car championship. By building on this knowledge and expertise, we are confident we can bring Extreme E to millions of screens and build passionate communities of fans in key markets around the world.”

Discovery joins a number of p in acquiring rights to the upcoming contest, with other rights holders including the BBC in the UK, Mediaset in Italy, Sony India, TVNZ in New Zealand, RTL 7 in The Netherlands, ORF in Austria RTM and China Sports Zhibo.tv.