Australian pay-television broadcaster Sky Racing has agreed a 10-year domestic and international rights deal with Racing Queensland, extending a long-standing relationship with the organisation.
The contract follows what has been described as a “rigorous and competitive” tender process. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported that Racing.com had made a significant move to win the rights to add to its free-to-air coverage of Victorian and South Australian racing.
Racing Queensland said it had undertaken extensive market testing over the past 12 months before securing the new broadcast agreement. The deal includes a “significant financial uplift” for the state’s thoroughbred, greyhound and harness clubs. The tri-code deal is believed to be the first of its kind among Australia’s major racing jurisdictions.
The benefits of the new long-term agreement include enhanced coverage and increased distribution with the potential for bookmakers to broadcast Queensland racing on their digital platforms.
RQ chairman Steve Wilson said: “There were a number of outcomes we were determined to achieve – most notably increased distribution, showcasing and revenue – and that’s exactly what we’ve been able to secure for our clubs.”
In February, RQ chief executive Brendan Parnell said commercial broadcasters Seven, Ten and Nine were interested in acquiring the rights.
In recent months, the Brisbane Racing Club also finalised its own long-term agreement with Sky, which is owned by Australian gambling entertainment group Tabcorp, ensuring all codes now sit under the one broadcast banner.