The IMG Media agency will work with the Australian National Rugby League to develop a new online digital channel as part of a new five-year international rights distribution deal, from 2013 to 2017.
The channel will be available on a free-to-view basis in territories where there is no other coverage available.
IMG will distribute the NRL’s rights in all markets with the exception of Australia and New Zealand. It covers free-to-air television, subscription television, IPTV, mobile, in-ship, in-flight and gaming rights, as well as access to the NRL Films archive. Every match will be available live in high-definition, and there will also be a 30-minute highlights show, as well as match clips and archive coverage.
The deal extends an existing deal between IMG and the NRL, which is Australia’s top club rugby league competition. IMG has sold NRL rights since 2010.
Chris Guinness, senior vice-president and head of Asia Pacific for IMG Media, said: “The relationship has evolved from traditional international TV distribution to a complete 360 degree involvement covering all aspects of the NRL’s international media assets and we look forward to working closely with the NRL in this new exciting era.”