Russia

Russia’s National Media Group has signed a deal with Viasat World – the new brand for the international pay-television channels arm of Modern Times Group – to form a joint venture to distribute Viasat’s channels in the country.

Russian sports media platform Match TV has acquired rights to the 2016 edition of UCI WorldTour cycling event the Tour de Suisse.

International sports broadcaster Eurosport has agreed a global rights partnership with the French Rugby Federation (FFR) and has acquired rights in Russia to North American ice hockey league the NHL.

The International Champions Cup increased rights fees for its 2016 edition in new deals in the UK and Russia last week.

UK pay-television broadcaster Sky and Russian sports media platform Match TV have acquired rights to the 2016 edition of pre-season club football competition the International Champions Cup.

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.

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.

The Infront Sports & Media agency has brokered rights deals in new markets for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s 2016 World Championship, which commences in Russia today (Friday).

Russian sports media platform Match TV has acquired rights to the Copa América Centenario, the special edition of the national team football tournament which is being hosted by the United States next month.

Russian online sports platform Sports.ru has struck a deal to launch the National Basketball Association's official Russia-focused website.

Pan-regional sports broadcaster Eurosport has agreed a four-year deal to secure the exclusive rights in Russia to the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Russian sports media platform Match TV has acquired rights to the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, the concluding part of the season for North American ice hockey league the NHL.

Russian state broadcaster Channel One has agreed a deal with the Russian Football Union for rights to national team matches.

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.

Russian sports media platform Match TV has acquired rights to the Formula E electric car-racing championship.

Russian media group Gazprom Media Holding and China’s state-owned Shanghai Media Group have joined forces under a strategic partnership.

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.

Russian organisers of the 2016 Biathlon European Championships have said international sports broadcaster Eurosport and Russian sports media platform Match TV will broadcast next month’s event.