
Drone racing is coming to television in a big way. ESPN and the International Drone Racing Association have teamed up to stream drone races on ESPN3’s website and in edited videos on one of their TV networks.
The pilots fly small quadcopters around an outdoor course using real-time camera feeds connected to goggles. The first-person perspective is part of what draws audiences, IDRA chairman Scot Refsland said in a joint ESPN – IDRA press release.
“Because everyone can experience the thrill of racing as if they were sitting in the drone cockpit, the sport is skyrocketing. To go from a first ever, US national drone race to partnering with ESPN for international distribution in eight months is truly a sign of great things ahead.”

The first event to be livestreamed on ESPN is the 2016 U.S. National Drone Racing Championship, which will take place on Aug. 5 – 7 on Governors Island in New York City. Attendees who come to the race will be treated to a “summer festival” style fair, including drone vendors and a drone racing track for kids.
It will also be shown on one of ESPN’s networks as a one-hour special. The network has also picked up the Rotorsports 2016 World Drone Racing Championships, held in October.
The IDRA is not the same organization as the Drone Racing League, which sponsors races with a first-person perspective around indoor tracks.
“We look forward to providing drone racing fans a larger platform to access this exciting world,” said Matthew Volk, ESPN director of programming and acquisitions. “Drone racing is an opportunity to reach and connect with a growing and passionate audience.”