SBS today announced it has extended its Tour de France broadcast contract with Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) until 2017. This also includes SBS continuing to be the official  online and mobile delivery provider until 2017.
SBS Director of Content, Matt Campbell said, “2010 marks SBS’s 20th anniversary for its Tour de France coverage so the extension of our contract for another seven years is a significant way to celebrate this milestone,” said
Tour de France coverage will continue to be complemented by a mix of the best cycling from around the globe. This includes the Paris-Roubaix, Giro D’Italia and La Vuelta a España.
SBS Managing Director, Shaun Brown, said he was elated with the deal which effectively cements SBS’s position as the Cycling Network in Australia. “We love the Tour de France and so does our all Australian audience”, he said.
ASO Directeur General, Yann Le Moenner said, “We have had a fruitful partnership with SBS for the past 20 years and there is still a lot to come. This is great news for the Tour de France and Cycling. We share the same passion for the Tour de France and will continue to collaborate together to deliver the best experience to Australian viewers.”
Having recently lost the rights to the next Ashes series in the UK (after having broadcast the last two series there) and its number 1 rating show Top Gear UK both to the Nine Network, this is some welcome news for the multicultural broadcaster.
The renewal of rights to cycling biggest annual event until 2017 and the exclusive broadcast rights to this year’s and 2014’s Soccer World Cups, SBS should see continued ratings success well into the future.
To read SBS’s press release regarding the Tour de France broadcast extension agreement click here