Drone Racing Wins Backing From Sky, ProSiebenSat.1 In U.K., Germany

Sky and Germany’s ProSiebenSat.1 agreed to invest in and show drone racing in the U.K. and Germany "in a boost to the sport’s ambitions to become a more mainstream event," according to Paul McClean of the FINANCIAL TIMES. U.K.-based broadcaster Sky said on Wednesday it had invested $1M in the Drone Racing League, an organizer and distributor of the racing competition, and "had also signed a deal with the company to show the events." The sport "involves pilots racing robotic drones around a large course, with images carried to the driver through 3D headsets that are also shared with TV viewers." ProSiebenSat.1, a German media company, has also invested in the Drone Racing League and "will begin broadcasting races later this year through its channels in Germany, as well as Austria and Switzerland." ESPN "has also struck a distribution deal with DRL to show its races in North and South America, having already signed a deal to broadcast the US National Drone Racing Championships earlier this year." DRL Founder Nicholas Horbaczewski said that "the deal marked an important moment for drone racing." Horbaczewski said, "These deals extend beyond distribution -- we will have a long-term partnership with these companies via investment" (FT, 9/14).

TAKING OFF: In London, Fletcher & Jackson wrote the Sky investment is part of $12M fundraising "which also includes MGM, Hearst Ventures and Matt Bellamy, lead singer of Muse." A Sky spokesperson said, "It’s like a cross between Robot Wars and Red Bull air racing. It’s not that big in the U.K. yet but it is catching on. This is a good opportunity for us to get involved at an early stage." As part of its agreement with the DRL, Sky "will show 10 60-minute episodes covering five races on its Sky Sports Mix channel, which launched last year and is free for subscribers." For those who cannot wait until October, Sky "is showing an introduction to drone racing at 4am on Thursday, repeated at 5pm" (GUARDIAN, 9/14).