FIC touches down with NFL rights in Europe

The Fox International Channels broadcast subsidiary of media company 21st Century Fox has signed a two-year rights agreement with the NFL International arm of the American football league, with the deal commencing from the forthcoming 2013 season.

FIC said that the contract would allow it to broadcast one NFL game per match window in English across parts of Europe on Fox Sports channels, Fox Sports branded blocks, and Fox Sports services. The company didn't specify how many networks or countries will receive the NFL games.

FIC added in a statement: “NFL fans in Europe will be able to watch on FIC Sunday games, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football and all three U.S. Thanksgiving Day games in English. FIC will also broadcast all NFL postseason games in English, including the Super Bowl.”

The new deal also provides FIC access to NFL programming, such as NFL Game Day, NFL Extra, Road to Playoffs and Road to Super Bowl, as well as select programs from league-owned pay-television broadcaster NFL Network.

In Europe, Fox Sports recently launched in the Netherlands and Italy, and is also present in Turkey and Cyprus.