The Arabian Gulf League football competition’s organising body has announced that two games per week during the 2013-14 season will be shown on a pay-per-view basis, according to the National newspaper.
The agreement was struck between the league, the Pro League Committee, which operates the competition, and host broadcast partner, Abu Dhabi Media-owned broadcaster Abu Dhabi Sports Channel.
In addition to showing some games on pay-per-view, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel will also broadcast matches on a free-to-air basis alongside state-owned channel Dubai Sports.
Colin Smith, the committee’s chief executive, said that the move would “drive greater stadium attendances… (and) over the longer term… should also facilitate increased investment in the league.”
The league did not confirm whether the new initiative would be in place for the opening round of the 2013-14 season this weekend.