China
LeSports falls by the wayside as PPTV lands exclusive CSL rights
Online streaming company PPTV has agreed an exclusive deal for domestic digital media rights to the Chinese Super League club football competition.
Bundesliga claims first with Baidu partnership
The German Football League (DFL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Baidu, through which the top-tier Bundesliga competition will have an official presence on the network of the Chinese web services company.
LeSports admits to ‘letting down’ viewers as CSM assumes AFC rights
China Sports Media has acquired rights in the country for Asian Football Confederation events after the governing body terminated an agreement with LeSports, which is operated by Chinese internet company LeEco.
AFC cancels LeSports agreement
The Asian Football Confederation has terminated its media-rights deal with LeSports, which is operated by Chinese internet company LeEco, according to the Reuters news agency.
PPTV in talks for Chinese Super League rights – reports
Online streaming company PPTV is in talks to acquire domestic online rights to club football’s Chinese Super League, according to reports.
Alisports to show Japan’s Asian Winter Games
The Alisports division of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has acquired rights for the upcoming 2017 Asian Winter Games in Sapporo and Obihiro, Japan.
Uefa in direct negotiations with top Champions League bidder
Team Marketing, Uefa’s sales agent for the Champions League and Europa League, is in final negotiations with one party – believed to be the Desports agency – over rights in China.
Desports scores Champions League rights in China – reports
Chinese sports marketing company Desports has acquired rights in its home country to the Uefa Champions League and Europa League club football competitions, according to reports.
Tencent teams up with NHL for strategic partnership
The North American NHL ice hockey league has signed a long-term strategic partnership with Chinese internet company Tencent.
LeEco secures $2.42bn in fresh investment
Chinese internet company LeEco, whose subsidiaries include media platform LeSports, has alleviated its financial concerns by securing 16.8 billion yuan (€2.31bn/$2.42bn) in strategic investment, chiefly from property developer Sunac China Holdings.
LeSports reaches deal over Premier League rights fee
The LeSports division of Chinese internet company LeEco has reached a compromise agreement over its rights fee for the English Premier League that is set to allow it to continue covering the club football competition.
Sina Weibo seals NFL streaming deal
Chinese social network Sina Weibo has struck a deal to stream live coverage of NFL American football games.
Baidu planning IPO for video-streaming platform
Chinese online company Baidu has announced plans to launch an initial public offering for its Iqiyi video-streaming platform.
Uefa details revenue target as rights sales commence for club competitions
Uefa, football’s European governing body, is targeting media and marketing revenue of €3.2bn ($3.43bn) from its next cycle of rights to the Champions League as the tender process commences today (Tuesday).
LeSports to embark on staff cutting mission
Chinese internet company LeEco has said it will cut 10 per cent of staff from its LeSports division amid ongoing concerns over rising debt.
Manchester United offers up free access to MUTV in China
Manchester United has become the first English Premier League football club to make its in-house television channel available for free in China, according to The Times.
Eleven steps into Singaporean breach and adds rights in Taiwan
Two recent deals with the National Basketball Association have fulfilled different needs for Eleven Sports Network in Singapore and Taiwan.
LeSports CEO confirms strategy change amid cash-flow troubles
Chinese streaming operator LeSports will change its acquisition strategy to focus on premium content, chief executive Lei Zhenjian told TV Sports Markets this week.