Network Ten To Broadcast Melbourne Cup After $100 Million Rights Deal - TenDaily

'This is transformational for us and for the racing industry.'

The race that stops the nation is racing back to Ten after the network clinched a multi-million dollar deal to broadcast the iconic annual event.

Ten and the Victoria Racing Club (VRC) signed a $100 million rights deal that will see Ten broadcast the Melbourne Cup Carnival for five years.

The network will live-broadcast the four day carnival from 2019 in what is the biggest deal in VRC history.

The agreement also includes a number of Cup media rights, including free to air TV, internet, social media, mobile, OTT (Over-The-Top) and HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) within Australia.

Network Ten has also agreed to terms with Racing.com and streaming on the Racing.com app.

The deal with Network Ten is the biggest in VRC history. Image: Getty Images.

Network Ten held the rights for the Carnival between 1978 and 2001.

CEO Paul Anderson said he is looking forward to the racing returning to Ten.

"Our Network has a rich history with this world-class event having been the broadcaster of the race that stops a nation for over two decades," Anderson said.

The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of the most prestigious horse racing events in the world, and Cup Day is iconic, not just in the sporting calendar, but for all Australians."

“During the comprehensive tender process Network Ten proved themselves to be the best partner to take us into the future," Wilson said.

"This partnership will extend the Melbourne Cup Carnival to be visible across the network, across platforms and across the full year. In addition, it gives us the opportunity to engage new and growing audiences to our Carnival and to the sport of racing.”

VRC Chairman Amanda Elliott also highlighted the chance the Racing Club has to continue to diversify its content through a whole-network approach with Ten.

“This is transformational for us and for the racing industry,” she said.

Network Ten's racing coverage starts in 2019. 

Network Ten now FTA home for Ultimate Fighting Championship - Mediaweek

The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters returns for its 28th season on Thursday August 30 at 9.30pm on Network Ten’s ONE. 

Network Ten will be broadcasting the Ultimate Fighting Championship including two live fights, in addition to a new season of the acclaimed reality series The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters and Countdown.

Fans can now experience more UFC action on free-to-air television than ever before when The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters returns for its 28th season on Thursday August 30 at 9.30pm on Network Ten’s ONE.

The series that launched the mixed martial arts explosion around the world in 2005 and continues to break down stereotypical boundaries and ratings records, will return when 16 up-and-coming mixed martial artists fight to stay in the competition.

Viewers will also be treated to five episodes of Countdown – an access all areas platform allowing viewers into the world of the fighters before they step into the ring.

ONE will also be home to two live UFC special events, the live finale of The Ultimate Fighter: Heavy Hitters and UFC Fight Night Adelaide from early December.

Network Ten head of sport Matt White said: “UFC is a massive sport with a huge fan base and Ten is really happy to be back in the Octagon. This deal gives UFC fans exactly what they want – a regular free-to-air home, dynamic content and access to the sport’s biggest stars. UFC is a great partner and a great fit for TEN Sport.”

All of the Ultimate Fighting Competition action will commence Thursday August 30 at 9.30pm and continue through to early December.

Matt White Announced as Ten's New Head of Sport

Network Ten today announced the appointment of Matt White to the new role of Head of Sport, reporting to Chief Content Officer, Beverley McGarvey.

Mr White’s new position is in addition to his on-air role at Network Ten, including hosting Supercars, Rugby and Australian Formula One Grand Prix coverage and the weekly magazine program RPM.

Mr White’s extensive media career includes more than a decade at Network Ten, where he worked as a sport reporter and weekend host of Sports Tonight. During his years at Ten, he was also closely involved with key sports such as Supercars, Formula One and the Spring Racing Carnival.

In 2004, Matt moved from Ten to Seven Network, where he held a number of senior news and sport presenting roles. He returned to Network Ten in 2014. Mr White brings a world of editorial experience as an outstanding television executive, as well as significant commercial acumen in the sporting world.

Ms McGarvey said: “Matt is one of the most experienced and versatile television presenters in Australia, with a career that spans sport, special events, news and current affairs.

“I’m delighted that he has agreed to take on the new role of Head of Sport, while continuing to appear on air for us. Network Ten remains the free-to-air television home of Supercars, MotoGP, the Australian Formula One Grand Prix, the Wallabies and the A-League.”

Mr White said: “Now is the perfect time for Ten Sport to build on our existing platform of live sports broadcasts and sports programming, and I can’t wait to lead the charge. We have great people who are passionate, innovative and committed to delivering what our viewers want – more of the sports they love on free-to-air television. Ten Sport is open for business, so watch this space.”

Adam Cush has been promoted to the role of Director of Sport Production. Mr Cush has been a key member of the Sport department for almost a decade and will continue to lead its production, commercial and business affairs functions, working closely with Mr White.