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Roku, CBS Sports to share Formula E race rights

The opening lap of the 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix Formula 1 race. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
The opening lap of the 2010 Malaysian Grand Prix Formula 1 race. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)

Streaming hardware maker Roku and CBS Sports will share the telecast rights to Formula E, the racing sport that features electric cars.

The deal announced on Tuesday will see the Roku Channel stream 11 Formula E races each season, starting in January 2024, with the events available for free. CBS Sports will offer five races per season.

The Sports Business Journal was the first to report on the deal.

The agreement marks the first time Roku has successfully clinched the rights to live sports telecasts for its streaming TV platform. The Roku Channel already has deals in place to offer sports-related programming, including a simulcast of “The Rich Eisen Show” and distribution of a National Hockey League streaming channel through the Roku Channel app.

As part of the deal, Roku will also begin offering the Formula E series “Unplugged” on the Roku Channel, as well as previews and highlights from all races, including those on CBS Sports.

The races offered through CBS Sports will be available on the CBS Sports Network cable channel as well as on Paramount Global’s streaming service, Paramount Plus.

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Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally recognized, award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience reporting on the business of media, broadcast television, streaming video platforms and emerging technology. He is the founder, publisher, and editor of TheDesk.net, a trusted source for in-depth news and analysis on the evolving media landscape.

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