IMG to market FFA’s international rights

Football Federation Australia has agreed a six-season international media-rights distribution deal with the IMG agency.

Under the agreement, IMG will market rights to the men’s A-League, the women’s W-League, the FFA Cup knockout competition and selected national team matches.

The six-year partnership – which FFA confirmed as a “multi-million dollar deal” – is effective from the 2017-18 season.

Chris Guinness, senior vice-president of IMG Media for Asia, said: “Football in Australia is continuing to enjoy an upward curve in terms of quality and interest from around the world with many players from more established leagues now playing their trade in the A-League.

“We are delighted to have entered into this new partnership with the FFA, amidst very strong interest, and are looking forward to helping them grow media coverage and awareness of Australian football.”

The partnership complements a six-season domestic deal signed by the FFA in December with pay-television broadcasters Fox Sports and Foxtel. The agreement will cover the 2017-18 to 2022-23 seasons. Earlier this month, Australian commercial broadcaster Ten acquired rights to the A-League, as well as matches played by the men’s national team, in a deal with the FFA and Fox Sports.