Sky Channel is set to remain the exclusive telecaster of Queensland racing under a 10-year agreement currently under negotiation.

Queensland Racing has commence exclusive negotiations with Sky Racing to finalise a 10-year media contract after also considering an offer from rival TVN.

Queensland Racing chairman Bob Bentley said media rights offers were received from both Sky Racing and TVN.

“The process undertaken was a vast improvement on previous arrangements whereby, the broadcaster would come to Queensland and do a deal with the metropolitan clubs first and then give the provincial clubs what they thought was fair,” Bentley said.

“Queensland Racing had appointed an independent advisor, Colin Smith of LEK Consulting, to undertake the negotiating collectively on behalf of the clubs to secure the best outcome for the industry.

“Two significant broadcast rights deals were presented to the clubs for their consideration and after detailed analysis the clubs decided unanimously that they instruct Queensland Racing to continue further negotiations with Sky Racing on an exclusive basis.

“The multi-million dollar 10-year Sky Racing deal chosen by the TAB clubs is already well in excess of previous broadcast agreements.”

Bentley said Queensland Racing will ensure that the final deal struck with Sky is capable of growing the Queensland industry.

racing and sports