Australian Sail GP event to be shown free-to-air by SBS

International boat racing series SailGP has made an announcement regarding its upcoming Australia Sail Grand Prix event, set to elevate accessibility for fans across Australia.

SailGP has partnered with the public broadcaster Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) to broadcast the event free-to-air domestically.

Previously slated for broadcast on pay-TV network Fox Sports and the ‘freebies’ section of Kayo, SailGP’s Australia Sail Grand Prix will now also be available on the SBS network and its SBS On Demand streaming service. This expanded coverage underscores SailGP’s commitment to reaching a broader audience.

SBS will air the 90-minute race broadcast live on both race days, providing viewers with immersive coverage of the high-stakes competition. The Australia Sail Grand Prix, scheduled for February 24-25 in Sydney Harbour, is title-sponsored by international accountancy firm KPMG.

Additionally, SBS will showcase highlight packages for the remaining five Grand Prix events of the 2023-24 season, further enhancing the viewing experience for fans.

The increased presence of SailGP in Australia coincides with the notable success of Australia’s SailGP team, a prime contender for the 2023-24 title. With three previous victories in the racing series since its inception in 2019, Australia’s SailGP team has captured the attention of fans worldwide.

“This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the league and by joining forces with SBS, we are ensuring that the excitement of SailGP will be experienced by a wider audience, making our sport truly accessible to all,” said Tom Slingsby, chief executive and captain of the Australia SailGP team.

“This month’s event will mark the record fifth time that our racing has been staged on our iconic Sydney Harbour. This partnership with SBS highlights the continued growth of the league in Australia and our promise to deliver great sporting moments to Australians.”

SailGP’s fourth season has seen impressive viewership growth, particularly in the United States.

The recent Spain Sail Grand Prix, broadcast on the US national network CBS, achieved a record domestic broadcast audience of 1.78 million viewers, making it the most-watched sailing race in the US since 1992.

With a 9 percent increase in viewership compared to last year’s Spain Sail Grand Prix, SailGP continues to captivate audiences and expand its footprint in the competitive sports media landscape.