State-backed broadcaster Match TV has secured control of the official television channel of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.
The ice hockey league confirmed the development to Russian newspaper Kommersant, with Match TV, which is part of the Gazprom Media group, taking an 80 per cent stake in KHL TV.
Match TV has previously acted as a production and distribution partner of KHL TV, which was launched in 2009 and broadcasts live games, repeats and other ice hockey content.
Kommersant said the move is part of a wider restructuring of the KHL’s business activities, with Match TV also securing full control of KHL Marketing under the KHL Media entity.
In March, the KHL cut a further two clubs and lowered its salary cap as it seeks to reposition itself and reduce its reliance on funding from state-owned entities.
The KHL, widely regarded as the world’s second strongest ice hockey league behind the NHL, will drop to 25 teams for its 2018-19 season after axing Russian teams Lada Togliatti and Yugra Khanty-Mansiisk.
The KHL introduced a long-term strategic plan last year to cover the period spanning 2017 to 2023.