Sky Racing will serve as the ‘home of Queensland racing’ for the next decade after securing a new long-term agreement.
Following a rigorous and competitive tender process, Sky Racing was today announced as the successful bidder for Queensland’s domestic and international media rights, inking a fresh 10-year deal.
Over the past 12 months, Racing Queensland had undertaken extensive market testing before securing the new broadcast agreement which 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 including enhanced coverage and increased distribution with the potential for bookmakers to broadcast Queensland racing on their digital platforms.
RQ Chairman Steve Wilson AM said today’s announcement was a positive step for the industry and its clubs.
“The Queensland racing industry has laid the foundations for a prosperous future by signing a new long-term agreement with Sky Racing,” Mr 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 recent months, the Brisbane Racing Club also finalised its own long-term agreement with SKY, ensuring all codes now sit under the one broadcast banner.
“This agreement extends a decades-long relationship that we have with racing in Queensland,” Tabcorp’s Managing Director of Wagering and Media, Adam Rytenskild, said.
“Sky broadcasts 12,000 Queensland thoroughbred, greyhound and harness races each year – taking Queensland racing into TAB venues, punter apps, homes and international audiences across up to 65 countries.
“We look forward to Sky’s extensive network continuing to champion Queensland racing action and its stories.”
Over the past 12 months, RQ has advanced a number of key priorities including the approval of the Greater Brisbane Greyhound Centre, the re-development of the Ipswich Turf Club and the delivery of the Country Racing Program.
RQ CEO Brendan Parnell said a new media rights agreement was another important milestone.
“Having agreed to enhanced and expanded coverage with SKY, we look forward to exposing Queensland thoroughbred, greyhound and harness racing to new audiences across the nation and the globe,” Mr Parnell said.
“Given the challenging environment we continue to operate in, the Queensland racing industry has secured a particularly positive outcome.”