- Long-term FEI and WBD agreement will scale coverage of the world’s best riders to millions of viewers across 75 markets in Europe and Asia
- Equestrian sporting action brought to fans through Eurosport, discovery+ and Max
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has agreed a new multi-year partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) that will see major events on the international equestrian circuit screened in 75 markets across Europe and Asia.
These include the entire Longines FEI League of Nations season until at least 2027; the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Western European League until at least the 2027/2028 season; the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ North American League (NAL) until at least 2027/2028; and the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals until at least 2028.
Live and Highlights coverage of all events will be showcased on Eurosport’s television channels in addition to live and on-demand streaming access for discovery+ and Max* subscribers. The agreement means equestrianism is positioned alongside other world-class sports as part of the most varied live content offer and further demonstrates WBD’s commitment to screening more Olympic sports than any other broadcaster while telling the stories of its athletes through a year-round narrative.
Trojan Paillot, SVP Sports Rights Acquisitions and Syndications at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, said: “As a premium multi-sport broadcaster, our mission is to offer the greatest choice through a compelling content offer for fans. In our role as the Home of the Olympics in Europe, including being the only place to watch all of Paris 2024, LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, our ambition includes telling the stories of Olympic sports and its athletes throughout the year, not just during the 19 days of competition during the Games.
“We are pleased to harness our deep sports expertise in tandem with our unmatched reach and ability to engage the widest audience across all platforms to help further grow sports such as equestrian. By working as a trusted partner to federations such as the FEI, where we enjoy a highly successful long-term relationship, we have a proven track record of exposing new fans to a plethora of different sports while keeping them engaged throughout the year.”
Ralph Straus, Commercial Director, at FEI, said: “This multi-year partnership between the FEI and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is a natural progression in a working relationship that has been built through mutual respect for the knowledge and expertise that each partner brings to the table.
“The FEI’s deep understanding of equestrian audiences, coupled with WBD’s unparalleled expertise in TV Broadcast to deliver the stories of athletes and the sport, has proven to be an ideal combination. Crafting compelling content is not solely about catering to equestrian enthusiasts worldwide; it is also about sparking curiosity and interest among a broader range of fans, and to foster deeper connection with the sport.
“With the launch of the new Longines League of Nations series and the excitement surrounding the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup and the Olympic Games, there is no better time than this year to take our working relationship to a next level.”
WBD showcases more live action from Olympic and Winter Olympic sports than any other broadcaster. As the Home of the Olympics in Europe, WBD holds the rights to the Olympics in Europe for the next eight years, covering four Olympic Summer Games and Olympic Winter Games, to Brisbane 2032, and its platforms will be the only places in Europe to watch all of the Olympics live. This includes every minute of the Eventing, Dressage and Jumping events from the Château de Versailles at Paris 2024 taking place from 27 July to 6 August.
*discovery+ is currently available in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the UK and Ireland.
From Spring 2024, Max will initially launch in 25 countries in Europe that currently offer HBO Max, integrating Eurosport content and replacing discovery+ or the Eurosport App.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.