BBC Worldwide and SBS Extend Darts Agreement
In a major extension to their existing agreement, which expires in early 2004, BBC Worldwide and Dutch broadcaster SBS have re-negotiated the rights to the World Professional Darts Championships (formerly known as The Embassy) and the Winmau World Masters.
Darts is enduringly popular in The Netherlands, where it gains record TV audiences, not least because of the continuing success of 3-time world champion, Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld.
Commenting on the deal, Richard Hornsby-Smith, Sports Sales Manager at BBC Worldwide, said: 'SBS has demonstrated its commitment to both tournaments and the sport of darts itself. We are very pleased to have extended our agreement with SBS and are looking forward to continuing our fruitful relationship.'
Bart Soepnel, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions for SBS, added 'Before SBS broadcast the Championships, the profile of darts in the Netherlands was immeasurably lower. In this highly competitive market it's remarkable how popular darts has recently become as a TV event. We're very pleased to be continuing our partnership with BBC Worldwide and the BDO.'
For further information, please contact:
Louise Alley in the BBC Worldwide press office on +44 20 8433 3995, email louise.alley@bbc.co.uk
Darts is enduringly popular in The Netherlands, where it gains record TV audiences, not least because of the continuing success of 3-time world champion, Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld.
Commenting on the deal, Richard Hornsby-Smith, Sports Sales Manager at BBC Worldwide, said: 'SBS has demonstrated its commitment to both tournaments and the sport of darts itself. We are very pleased to have extended our agreement with SBS and are looking forward to continuing our fruitful relationship.'
Bart Soepnel, Senior Vice President, Acquisitions for SBS, added 'Before SBS broadcast the Championships, the profile of darts in the Netherlands was immeasurably lower. In this highly competitive market it's remarkable how popular darts has recently become as a TV event. We're very pleased to be continuing our partnership with BBC Worldwide and the BDO.'
For further information, please contact:
Louise Alley in the BBC Worldwide press office on +44 20 8433 3995, email louise.alley@bbc.co.uk