Letv Sports packages wide-ranging AFC rights in China

Letv Sports announced a wide-ranging deal on Wednesday with Lagardere Sports and Entertainment for the media rights to all Asian Football Confederation events in China form 2017 to 2020 for US$110 million.

Under the agreements, the Chinese online broadcaster will be authorized to broadcast 12 AFC events, which are highlighted by the AFC World Cup Qualifiers alongside Asian Cup and AFC Champions League, in the country from 2017-2020.

In addition, Letv Sports has also acquired 20% of World Sports Group, a subsidiary of Lagardere Sports and Entertainment which has begun to exclusively represent the media and business rights to all AFC events since late 1990s, for a reported US$75 million fee.

“It’s a must-do (to acquire the rights) and the amount of money demonstrates the core value of the 12 AFC events”, said Lei Zhenjian, CEO of Letv Sports.

Liu Jianhong, CCO at Letv Sports, revealed the online streamer will distribute these broadcast rights for the coming seasons to both traditional media channels and new digital media platforms.  

Source: Sina