Tabcorp has agreed a new long-term media rights deal to expand the global footprint of the Victorian thoroughbred racing industry.
The agreement includes domestic, international and digital media rights for Tabcorp’s Sky Racing business to act as Racing Victoria’s exclusive international distribution partner, as well as the exclusive distribution partner on linear channels.
As part of the arrangement, Sky will continue to broadcast Victorian thoroughbred racing into over 3,700 TAB retail venues across Australia, and more than 1 million homes via Foxtel.
Additionally, Sky will distribute Victorian thoroughbred racing via the TAB App to its growing domestic digital business, which now includes leading operators such as Sportsbet, Dabble, TABTouch, bet365, Betr and BetMakers.
The expanded partnership also allows the Racing Victoria-owned Racing.com to broadcast Melbourne Cup Week for the next four years until 2029, in addition to Sky Racing, the Nine Network and Tabcorp’s other broadcast partners.
Tabcorp chief commercial and media officer Jarrod Villani said the new agreement reaffirms the value of Sky Racing, which currently broadcasts over 150,000 live races to more than 60 countries annually.
“We’re really pleased to reach a long term domestic and international partnership with Racing Victoria,” said Villani. “This partnership has the opportunity to take thoroughbred racing in the state to more eyeballs than ever before and that’s good for the growth of the industry.
“We’re delighted with the reacquisition of the international distribution rights. Our international business is continuing to grow and the opportunity to seek new markets to showcase Victoria is something we are very focused on.”
Villani added: “We’re also evolving the look and feel of Sky. The way we present racing is changing and so is our content. Victorian thoroughbred racing is an important part of that evolution and we are excited about the innovative ways we can tell the story of racing in Victoria to the world.
“Racing Victoria has a great product and we look forward to working together to promote and grow it into the future.”
Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison commented: “We’re thrilled to secure this long-term partnership with Tabcorp that maximises the domestic and international distribution of Victorian racing. Victoria is home to the most watched, wagered and attended race meetings in Australia and the most recognised iconic races internationally, and this partnership ensures our racing continues to reach the widest possible audience.
“Importantly, the agreement secures the prominence of Victorian thoroughbred racing on Sky, both on domestic channels and in global markets, which positions us strongly for future growth. We look forward to growing this partnership into the future.”
Tabcorp had lost the international distribution rights in early 2023 when Racing Victoria partnered Sports Information Services (SIS).
Shares in Tabcorp Holdings Ltd (ASX:TAH) closed 3.28 per cent lower at A$0.89 per share in Sydney Friday.