Covid-19
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Covid-19 bursts China bubble amid changing political, economic winds
China’s sports media-rights market is in the throes of a major correction, with the OTT platforms that have driven growth in the last five years seeking to renegotiate a string of deals.
Covid-19, betting factor boost Russian Premier League rights on Hong Kong return
The Russian Premier League has secured a strong fee from pay-television platform i-Cable for its media rights in Hong Kong.
Australia’s top federations prioritise income security in renegotiated rights deals
Australia’s top domestic federations have accepted significant short-term rights-fee cuts in renegotiated deals with domestic broadcasters, prioritising income security in the aftermath of the Covid-19 shutdown.
K League targets longer-term rights boost after Covid-related worldwide showcase
The slew of media-rights deals agreed for the Korean K League ahead of its recent restart did not generate large revenues for international distributor Sportradar. But the league hopes to capitalise, in the years to come, on the boost to its profile, as one of the first competitions to restart after Covid-19-related shutdowns.
Asia-Pacific broadcasters eye Covid-19 compensation
As major sports properties return to action, the attention of broadcasters in Asia-Pacific is turning to rights-fee rebates and other forms of compensation for the Covid-19 interruption.
NBC Sports’ Bevacqua eyes return to normalcy for sports TV ratings
Pete Bevacqua, newly promoted to chairman of NBC Sports, said he believes that sports ratings on American television will return to more normal patterns following the impending conclusion of the country’s p…
Premier League lining up ‘solution’ to contentious PPV model
The Premier League has said a “broadcast solution” will be announced in due course amid multiple reports its controversial pay-per-view model introduced last month will be scrapped.
LFP seeks bank loan to cover TV rights shortfall, puts onus on Mediapro ownership
France’s Professional Football League (LFP) has reacted to delays in its next media-rights payment from Mediapro, the agency and production group, by looking to put in place a bank loan so that clubs c…
UK government pushes Premier League to televise all behind-closed-doors matches
The UK government is urging the English Premier League to ensure all matches are televised during the 2020-21 season so long as fans remain unable to attend
Features
Streaming platforms hold key to meeting post-Covid content glut
Pent-up appetite for sports viewing is expected to be released in the immediate aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, giving rights-holders an opportunity to attract significant new audiences.
International Swimming League won’t delay D2C platform despite Covid-19 pandemic
The International Swimming League is working on two fronts to increase exposure and engagement levels ahead of its second season. It is in renewal talks with many of the broadcasters who covered the league’s inaugural season, while pushing ahead with the development of its own direct-to-consumer OTT platform.
Prospect of virtual Tour de Suisse prompts rights wrangle
The Tour de Suisse cycling race may be held virtually this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But it is not certain that the Infront agency, which distributes the media rights to the physical event, will have the rights to the e-cycling equivalent.
Covid-19 hits at heart of Sky NZ’s sports-led turnaround plans
Covid-19 has made an ambitious, sport-focused business turnaround at Sky New Zealand an even tougher task.