Russia
Russian web giants make their move as Rambler buys English Premier League rights
Powerful partners ease UFC’s entry into Russia; increase in Netherlands with Veronica
Match TV retains RFPL rights despite not making best offer
Match TV faces competition from new player for RFPL media rights
Match TV and Gazprom Media’s inability to pay an increase for Russian Football Premier League rights has opened the door for new players, one of which has offered RUB 11bn (€145m/$175m) over five seasons
Stalemate ends as Fifa settles for less in tricky Russian market
Fifa’s decision not to push World Cup media-rights negotiations in Russia to the wire has produced a fee well below the governing body’s initial expectations – but has preserved its relationship with the country’s political leadership.
Eastern European results justify Uefa selling market-by-market
Uefa has earned a significant increase in the value of its national team rights across Eastern Europe, justifying its decision to sell market-by-market in the region.
Russian league deal delay likely but rights will stay with Match TV
Any new deal for domestic Russian Football Premier League rights will likely be completed next March at the earliest, far later than the November estimate of league president Sergey Pryadkin, TV Sports Markets understands.
Telesport’s OTT plans could reshape Russian rights market
The Telesport agency is aiming to take advantage of Match TV’s weakened financial position and become the main buyer of sports rights in Russia, wresting control of the market from the Gazprom Media-owned broadcaster.
Confederations Cup signed off in Russia as World Cup deal nears
Telesport acquires Olympics in Russia but World Cup still far off
Bumper deal in Greece helps Euroleague break €30m barrier
Euroleague Basketball has increased its media-rights income in the 2016-17 season by 36 per cent compared to 2015-16, and this will rise further in 2017-18 thanks mainly to a blockbuster deal in Greece.
Football TV hopes to grow despite tough local conditions
Independent pay-television broadcaster Football TV has ridden out the country’s tough media market since the rouble crashed in late 2014, and believes it could be in a position to thrive over the next three years.
Eurosport Russia pays low EFL fee
The second-tier of English football will be shown in Russia once more after the Pitch International agency struck a one-season deal covering 2016-17 with pay-television broadcaster Eurosport worth about $100,000 (€91,000).
Premier League nets late deal in Russia with Match
The English Premier League this week finalised a deal with Russian broadcaster Match TV which will see its value in the country fall by about 57 per cent.
New UK and Russia deals help grow global ICC values
The International Champions Cup increased rights fees for its 2016 edition in new deals in the UK and Russia last week.
Eurosport rising from the ashes of tough Russian market
Eurosport continued its gradual rise from a basic-tier to a premium pay-television broadcaster this month in Russia, following deals for National Hockey League and Wimbledon tennis rights.
Competition dearth hits F1 values in Austria and Russia
The price of Formula One media rights has fallen and stayed flat in recent deals for Austria and Russia respectively, reflecting the lack of competition for the property in both markets.
UFC bolsters Fight Pass with rights and exclusivity
The Ultimate Fighting Championship bolstered its UFC Fight Pass OTT subscription service last month, maintaining its position as the world’s most content-rich combat channel.
Uefa rides the Russian storm for Euro 2016 deal
Uefa has agreed a deal in principle with the Telesport agency for Euro 2016 rights in Russia, a deal which appears to have been worth the wait for European football’s governing body.
Gazprom’s grip on sport slashes Uefa rights revenue
Uefa is the latest rights-holder to feel the pinch from the new-look Russian sports rights market, as the income from its club competitions in the territory has plummeted well below previous cycles.