PREMIERSHIP Speedway will return to Eurosport and discovery+ on Monday April 29 with newcomers Birmingham hosting the first live fixture of the season.
The Brummies take on 2022 champions Belle Vue in a meeting which will see the Aces, led by Grand Prix star Dan Bewley and skipper Brady Kurtz, make the trip to Perry Barr to face a home side fronted by Polish ace Piotr Pawlicki and Czech Republic star Vaclav Milik.
Dates and fixtures have been confirmed for the first eight live broadcasts of the season, which will see the TV cameras visit each of the seven Premiership venues as well as once again providing full coverage of the British Final at Belle Vue on Saturday June 8.
Defending champions Sheffield are in televised action on Monday May 13 when they host Ipswich in a repeat of last season’s dramatic Grand Final, and the Premiership’s other new side Oxford will feature in visits to Leicester and King’s Lynn, as well as a home clash with Sheffield.
Fixtures for the remaining broadcasts leading up to the play-offs will be confirmed later in the season, with a total of 18 meetings to be covered live again this season including the semi-finals and Grand Final.
Coverage will again be available live on Eurosport 2 and discovery+, the latter providing an ad-free offering with additional content. There will also be a regular one-hour free-to-air highlights show on Quest.
Premiership CEO Phil Morris said: “We have a number of extremely attractive meetings on the schedule, and I’m sure there will be plenty of interest in how the new teams get on.
“I must say again how sad we all are that Peterborough and Wolverhampton are unable to race this season for issues beyond their control; however, we have all been impressed with the enthusiasm shown by Birmingham and Oxford, and we have already staged positive site visits at both venues ahead of their live meetings.
“There’s absolutely no doubt that the Premiership is a stronger product than it has been at any stage in the last decade, and this has been reflected in the viewing figures both in the UK and in Eurosport’s other territories.
“With the riders who are coming back once again this year, there’s every reason to believe this positive trend will continue, and we can’t wait to get started.”
Jamie Steward, VP Production and Broadcast, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports UK said:
“Premiership Speedway represents a key element of Eurosport’s wider two-wheel motorsport offer. Its regular Monday night appointment to view has helped grow audiences and established itself as a must-see competition.
“We’re keen to ensure the action reaches the widest possible audiences and are delighted to continue to offer coverage on all platforms across linear, direct-to-consumer and free-to-air.
“With league newcomers Birmingham facing regular title contenders in Belle Vue, it makes for an exciting opening broadcast to the season.”
OPENING TV FIXTURES
Monday April 29 – Birmingham v Belle Vue
Monday May 13 – Sheffield v Ipswich
Monday May 27 – Leicester v Oxford
Saturday June 8 – British Final, Belle Vue
Monday June 17 – King’s Lynn v Oxford
Monday June 24 – Belle Vue v Leicester
Monday July 1 – Oxford v Sheffield
Monday July 15 – Ipswich v Belle Vue
Words and Image by British Speedway
