Pay-television sports broadcaster ESPN has acquired rights in the Americas for the Drone Racing League, while German media company ProSiebenSat.1 has invested in the league as part of a coverage agreement in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
ESPN’s multi-year deal covers North, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.
In the US, ESPN will show 10 separate one-hour episodes covering five races during the 2016 season on ESPN and ESPN 2. An ‘Intro to DRL’ programme will be shown on ESPN 2 later today (Thursday) before the season kicks off on October 23.
ProSiebenSat.1 has invested in the league through its 7Sports subsidiary, which was established in July to manage the media company’s interests in the sports sector.
The value of the stake has not been disclosed, but ProSiebenSat.1 will have exclusive rights in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. As part of the “long-term media co-operation,” the league will hold at least one event per year in Germany.