Middle Eastern pay-television operator OSN has launched a range of new sports channels as part of a wider move to expand its offering in the region.
The OSN Sports Action 1 HD, OSN Sports Action 2 HD and OSN Sports 5 HD channels will now be available as part of the operator’s ‘Ultimate Sports Pack’.
The channels will feature new programming and localised Arabic content. Coverage will include the WWE Raw and Smackdown wrestling programmes, as well as the UFC mixed martial arts series, MotoGP and Superbike World Championship motorcycling series, Formula E electric car-racing series, NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament, beach volleyball action from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Giro d’Italia cycling event.
Rugby coverage will be provided in the shape of the British and Irish Lions’ forthcoming tour of New Zealand, the pan-regional Super Rugby competition and the Rugby Championship national team tournament, while the new channels will also cover Australian rugby league competition the NRL.
OSN will also carry Ginx eSports TV, a 24-hour esports channel. OSN in January agreed a multi-year deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship granting it exclusive rights to the mixed martial arts promotion in the Middle East and North Africa.