With an impressive reach of more than 700 million viewers globally, IMSA confirmed two significant platforms for international race fans to consume live coverage of IMSA racing.
Since its launch as a pilot program for the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring on March 16, IMSA has been offering live streaming on its YouTube channel for audiences outside the United States and selected other countries with exclusive television rights. To date, those livestreams have reached more than 138 million viewers in 185 countries without any advance promotion. Since its inception in 2013, the IMSA YouTube channel has recorded nearly 100 million views.
Moving forward, IMSA will utilize its YouTube channel as the primary source for live international streaming, taking advantage of the massive built-in audience of YouTube users. Additionally, international fans may continue to stream race coverage and in-car cameras via IMSA.com.
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“We have seen a dramatic increase in our international audience since we began offering live streaming on YouTube,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “We expect the international audience to grow even larger as fans become accustomed to viewing races on IMSA’s YouTube channel and with more dedicated promotion.”
In addition to live streaming, race telecasts will continue to be available to international audiences on linear television networks via an extension of IMSA’s long-standing relationship with Greenlight International through 2025.
Reaching more than 580 million homes and 148 countries outside the U.S., Greenlight International offers live race telecasts alongside two weekly motorsport programs, Motorsport Mundial and Max Power, which regularly include IMSA content. One-hour race recaps often supplement live race broadcasts offered by linear broadcast providers in some countries.
“We are very pleased to have extended our distribution agreement with IMSA,” said Jon Quayle of Greenlight International. “The thrilling and competitive nature of IMSA racing, coupled with its impressive roster of international competitors, consistently delivers outstanding audiences for our broadcast partners. Many of these partners, recognizing the value and appeal of IMSA’s content, have committed to multi-year deals. This extension not only solidifies our collaboration with IMSA but also underscores the global demand and enthusiasm for top-tier motorsport coverage”
“There’s no question our product resonates with an international audience,” Doonan added. “Having these various platforms to reach international audiences is crucial to building the IMSA brand on a global scale. In addition, it enables the many international manufacturers, teams, drivers and other brands participating in IMSA to reach audiences in their home countries.”
U.S. race fans will continue to receive IMSA coverage on NBC Sports platforms such as the NBC network, Peacock and USA Network through a multi-year partnership extension.