Palmeiras seals Esporte Interativo rights deal

Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A football club Palmeiras has confirmed that it has awarded its pay-television rights to Esporte Interativo under a six-year deal that will run from 2019 to 2024.

The agreement had been widely reported by Brazilian media outlets last month, with Palmeiras set to end its association with media company Globo in favour of its new association with Esporte Interativo, which is owned by US media company Turner.

In a statement, Palmeiras said Esporte Interativo will also work on enhancing its brand through the organisation of friendly games against major foreign teams and entry into international tournaments.

Of the current 20 Serie A clubs, only Palmeiras had yet to agree a deal for its pay-television rights from 2019 onwards. The Sao Paulo team’s addition will add to Esporte Interativo’s Serie A portfolio, which already includes current top-tier clubs Atlético-PR, Coritiba, Internacional, Ponte Preta, Santos, Figueirense and Santa Cruz.

Leonardo Lenz Cesar, vice-president of sports at Turner Brasil, said: “We are very pleased with the clubs we have signed for the Campeonato Brasileiro and having Palmeiras with us is further proof that we have a serious and long-term investment and development project for Brazilian football.”