The Ocean Race partners with Warner Bros. Discovery

Entertainment company Warner Bros. Discovery has extended its agreement with The Ocean Race, in the sailing series’ widest-reaching broadcast deal to date.

The long-term partnership will focus on live broadcasts, editorial content production and multi-platform distribution, as well as third-party commercial agreements. It will lead off from the start of the next edition of The Ocean Race, starting in Alicante, Spain, in January 2023.

Warner Bros. Discovery says it will also utilise its sports rights expertise to explore partnerships with broadcasters to optimise distribution and audiences in other territories around the world.

Sports content shown on Warner Bros. Discovery is said to reach up to 130 million people internationally each month, with events including the Olympic Games, cycling Grand Tours, tennis Grand Slams and the winter sports World Cup season.

Richard Brisius, chairman of The Ocean Race, says: “This is the first time that we have an official broadcast partner take on such a wide-ranging role across multiple editions of the event. The appetite for the exciting content that is unique to The Ocean Race is second to none. 

“We are excited to expand on the immersive, multi-platform experience around the race action that we share with fans on our digital channels, and the partnership with WBD, will help to expand our reach outside of our traditional audience and ensure that this historic and iconic race reaches new territories.”

Warner Bros. Discovery will present The Ocean Race live on television, including on Eurosport.

Scott Young, senior vice president, content and production, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe, says: “The story of The Ocean Race will be live, engaging, immersive, and entertaining. We see a great opportunity in our partnership around production to elevate its recognised world-class live coverage alongside new formats that unearth the stories, people and relationships that are at the heart of this epic race.”

The Ocean Race is a pinnacle event in sailing and has long been considered the toughest test of a team in sport. Since 1973, the round-the-world race has attracted the best sailors in the world and pushed them to the limit. In recent editions, building on a heritage of environmental stewardship by its sailors, the race, in collaboration with founding partner 11th Hour Racing has led the way in developing an award-winning sustainability programme, inspiring change and driving impact towards the restoration of ocean health.

Trojan Paillot, vice president, sports rights acquisitions and syndication, Warner Bros. Discovery Europe, adds: “The Ocean Race is one of the most spectacular and inspirational properties in sport, and we are privileged to showcase it around the world.”