China adds to IndyCar's international TV reach

IndyCar's ambition of expanding its reach in China received a boost this week when the series signed three Chinese outlets to carry race broadcasts and promotional content, starting with tomorrow's Indianapolis 500.

"This is huge for IndyCar and we hope it is viewed the same way by motorsports fans in China," said Stephen Starks, IndyCar vice president of promoter relations. "It's a big step toward the development of the sport in China, of which we have for a long time wanted to play an important part."

Tencent, China's largest internet platform, will have live telecasts of selected Verizon IndyCar Series races, including the Indianapolis 500 and the season-ending GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma. Tencent will also provide on-demand options plus highlights and features.

High Sport will carry on-demand options of races to be determined, plus highlights and features. Also, Guangdong TV will show highlights and features. The agreements were aided by Mitime Group, a sports organization and subsidiary of Chinese auto manufacturer Geely.

In addition to the new agreement in China, the following countries/regions and networks will air Sunday's Indianapolis 500 either live or on delay:

• - ESPN
• - Sport 1
• - BeTV
• - BAND
• - Sportsnet and TVA Sports
• - ESPN
• - Nova Sport
• - Elisa Viihde Sport
• - Canal +
• - Sport 1
• - Nova Sports
• - Digi Sports
• - One Sports
• - Sky Sports
• - Gaora
• (excluding Brazil) - ESPN
• - Ziggo Sports
• - OSN
• - Digi Sports
• - Sport TV
• - Viasat Sport
• - Arena Sports
• - Nova Sport
• - Supersport
• - Movistar
• - Sport 1
• - Kwese Sports
• - BT Sport