beIN SPORTS continues women’s sport expansion with deal to broadcast W Series in 25 markets for 2021 season
Deal covers the Middle East & North Africa and the United States, with W Series forming key part of beIN’s beINSPIRED women’s sports portfolio
beIN MEDIA GROUP (“beIN”), the global sports and entertainment group, has secured the exclusive broadcast rights to the first and only women’s motor racing championship in the world, W Series, in 24 countries in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) and in the United States. W Series will form a key part of beIN’s women’s sports portfolio and its wider beINSPIRED project, which provides a global platform to events and talent that have not historically been given the exposure they deserve.
Last week, beIN SPORTS also announced it had acquired for the first time the UEFA Women’s Champions League rights in the 24 countries of MENA – from Morocco in the West to Oman in the East and every country in between – in a highly significant and sizable international deal for UEFA and women’s European football.
W Series this year will take place from 26 June to 30 October with the first of eight races set to take place in Austria. Since launching in 2019, W Series has established itself as a pioneer of gender equality in sport. The free-to-enter championship provides equal opportunity for women and eliminates the financial barriers that have historically prevented them from reaching the upper echelons of the motorsport.
beIN’s acquisition of the 2021 W Series is the latest major addition to beIN’s “beINSPIRED” broadcast portfolio and corporate commitment, in which beIN showcases inspiring and under-represented on-air talent, while broadcasting sports, developing business partnerships, events and creative campaigns all aimed at telling the most diverse and inspiring stories that sport has to offer. Over the coming months in different markets, beIN SPORTS will be showcasing female talent in the UEFA Champions League, the Tokyo Olympics and Wimbledon, amongst other major events.
This year, W Series will feature a diverse roster of 18 female drivers from around the world, including the inaugural 2019 W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, all competing in identical spec Tatuus F3 cars. With a unique format and inspiring drivers, the championship promises to be a thrilling adventure for motorsport fans in the US and the MENA region.
Mohammad Al-Subaie, Acting CEO of beIN MENA said: “We are delighted to exclusively broadcast W Series to our subscribers in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. W Series is committed to promoting gender equality in motorsport and empowering the next generation of female drivers. By broadcasting the series, we look forward to shining a spotlight on the inspiring women in motorsport and wider society, aligning with our ambition underpinning our beINSPIRED corporate commitment.”
Catherine Bond Muir, Chief Executive Officer at W Series added: “W Series’ mission will always be to further the interests and prospects of female racing drivers, and to inspire girls and women everywhere. Racing in partnership with Formula 1 in 2021, coupled with the support of our global network of broadcasters, will significantly increase our reach, impact and influence by placing W Series on motor racing’s greatest stage and taking us to new audiences and territories. Our drivers are ready and raring to put on a fantastic show.”