Universal Sports has joined NBC Sports, with both organisations becoming exclusive US TV partners to World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) through to 2013.
Universal Sports, the preeminent multi-platform destination for Olympic-related sports programming, has signed a multi-year broadcast and digital media agreement with WTC, the owner and organiser of Ironman and Ironman 70.3 event brands worldwide.
Universal Sports joins NBC Sports as the exclusive US television broadcasters for key WTC events through to 2013, including prestigious events such as the Ford Ironman World Championship from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 from Clearwater, Florida, to name a few.
The partnership with WTC also gives Universal Sports rights to stream events worldwide at UniversalSports.com and at ironman.com, the brand’s online home. Additionally, the deal includes cross-promotional advertising and marketing opportunities as well as web-streaming collaboration.
Universal Sports’ broadcast partner, NBC Sports, is the host broadcaster of the Ironman World Championship and has been since 1991, earning more than 50 Emmy nominations for the program throughout the partnership. This agreement supplements NBC Sports’ television commitment with increased online availability worldwide and television distribution in the United States.
"Ironman’s partnership with Universal Sports is a perfect fit. Their experience and excellent coverage of all Olympic disciplines will allow us to further reach our core audience. We also look forward to streaming Ironman events on Universal Sports’ web site as it will serve as a complement to what we have showcased on ironman.com in recent years,” said Senior Vice President of Television, Peter Henning.
The deal includes the rights to more than a dozen Ironman events, including races from New Zealand, China, the United States, France, Monaco, Mexico, Australia and Malaysia. In addition, Universal Sports will continue broadcasting past Ironman World Championship shows, in conjunction with NBC Sports, on its network.
“The Ironman triathlon is truly the ultimate test in fitness, endurance and the human spirit,” said Claude Ruibal, CEO of Universal Sports. “Whether an avid triathlon fan or not, the Ironman brand is well-known and revered around the world. We’re absolutely thrilled to showcase these most amazing athletic events to our multiple millions of television and online audiences in the US and around the world.”
