EBU Launches Eurovision Sport

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has launched the Eurovision Sport streaming platform, bolstering free public access to live sports across Europe.

Eurovision Sport marks the EBU’s first direct-to-consumer service. Thousands of hours of content are set to be streamed in one digital destination, complementing existing coverage provided by public service media.

Eurovision Sport will work alongside the EBU’s network of public-service members to supply end-to-end coverage of a host of Olympic sports from athletics to gymnastics, skiing, swimming and more. It will feature events from world and European championships, multi-sport events and national championships.

The EBU currently manages the media rights for 14 sports on behalf of public-service media, delivering over 43,000 hours of sport a year through agreements with 28 international sports federations.

Eurovision Sport will show every minute of this month’s World Aquatics Championships in Doha (February 2 to 18) and International Biathlon Union World Championships (February 7 to 18) in Czechia and next month’s World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow (March 1 to 3).

Eurovision Sport is accessible now via desktop and mobile website as an app for Android and iOS mobile and tablet devices. Later in the year, it will launch on connected TVs and selected free ad-supported streaming television channels.

Noel Curran, the EBU’s director general, said: “Eurovision Sport is a game-changer for sports fans across Europe and right around the world.

“We firmly believe that sport should be for all. Our public service media Members already bring many of the world’s leading sporting events to audiences free-to-air, and this new digital platform will provide wrap-around coverage so they never have to miss a moment of their favorite event.

“Currently, only a third of sports fans have access to premium sports channels. Through its free streaming, we hope Eurovision Sport will democratize access to live sports coverage and help grow individual sports through visibility and engagement, encouraging greater participation and making sure we are all ‘united by sport.’”

Glen Killane, executive director for sport at the EBU, said: “With the support of public service media, we’ll be able to provide sports federations with an unrivaled shop window for their sports around the world.

“In this fragmented digital world, it is difficult and expensive for sports fans to find and access the sport they love and for sports federations to attract new audiences. This digital platform provides a solution to both of those problems. Together with our members, the EBU will ensure that every second of our events are available to all for free in every country in Europe and around the world.

“Diversity and inclusion are also at the heart of this platform. The EBU and our members have the most gender-balanced range of sports rights in the market, and women’s sports will be a key part of our ongoing strategy. Eurovision Sport will be a trustworthy and safe place for women athletes and fans.”