Ski Classics continues rights drive with Sky Italia deal

Pay-television broadcaster Sky Italia has agreed a rights deal with the Ski Classics series of long-distance skiing events.

The agreement begins with this weekend’s Marcialonga event in Italy.

The series has previously been covered in Italy by state broadcaster Rai.

Ski Classics chief executive David Nilsson said: “We have a growing interest in Italy, more pro teams and athletes are from Italy, and Italian recreational skiers are important at our events. Sky Sport offer a wide range of easy accessed quality sports and it is an exciting development for Visma Ski Classics in Italy.”

The Sky Italia deal with the W Sportsmedia agency, rights-holder for Ski Classics, has been signed after the series recently renewed a rights agreement with Finnish public-service broadcaster YLE. The new deal runs for two years and includes the option of an additional two years.

Ski Classics has also recently extended rights deals with Nordic Entertainment Group (Nent) in Denmark and pay-television broadcaster beIN Media Group in the US, Canada and Australia.

Live coverage of the series can also be found on the official Ski Classics Play service, which is priced at €6.99 ($7.75) for a day pass, €9.99 per month or €39.99 per year.