Saudi Cup gains extensive global broadcasting reach
The upcoming Saudi Cup 2024 horse racing event is set to captivate audiences worldwide with live coverage across more than 30 broadcasters, offering a staggering total prizemoney of US$33.5 million.
Leading the production of the world feed is sports and entertainment giant IMG, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the Saturday card featuring six group races. The event will culminate with a captivating golden hour program spotlighting the rich cultural and sporting aspects of the Saudi Cup.
Key broadcasting agreements include Fox Sports in the US, maintaining their extensive coverage of the event, with the full undercard also accessible to American fans via Fanduel TV.
Saudi Sports Channels (SSC) will serve as the host broadcaster, while Racing TV and Virgin Media are among the 11 European broadcasters set to showcase the event.
Audiences in Australia will be able to watch the Royal Meeting courtesy of Entain, Racing.com and Sky Thoroughbred Central
Across Latin America, ESPN will provide coverage in 50 territories through its linear channels and pan-regionally on their digital platform Star+. Sony Pictures Networks retains the broadcast rights across India and the wider subcontinent.
TransVision will broadcast the event in Indonesia for the first time.
“We are delighted that the Saudi Cup has become firmly established as a major international race weekend,” said Chris Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer for the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia.
“Both the volume and quality of our international broadcaster partnerships reflect our rising profile on the world stage.
“HBA Media plays a pivotal role in the global awareness of the Saudi Cup and together we aim to provide sporting fans with an exciting and entertaining product.”
The Saudi Cup was established as a two-day international racing festival in 2020, with the eponymous headline race billed as the world’s most valuable courtesy of a US$20 million purse.
HBA Media, a UK-based agency owning or representing international media rights for major horse racing events, including the Saudi Cup, plays a pivotal role in the event’s global awareness.
“The Saudi Cup race card has attracted a stellar line-up from all around the world. This is mirrored in broadcasts with over 30 international outlets and major sports networks showcasing the competitive card across some 170 territories,” added Frank Sale, Managing Director of HBA Media.
“It is a privilege to work in partnership with the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia and to witness firsthand the growth and passion for horse racing within the region. Our long-term association with the Saudi Cup (since inception) enables HBA Media to achieve the best commercial returns for the federation and we look forward to assisting with this sporting spectacle moving forward.”
Now in its fifth year, the 2024 Saudi Cup is scheduled for February 23 and 24, promising an exhilarating showcase of world-class horse racing.
Last year, HBA Media significantly expanded the reach of the 2023 Saudi Cup across 170 territories, securing a total of 35 global broadcasters, highlighting the event’s continued growth and international appeal.
