CSL rights fee payment delayed

It is reported that on June 30, at its shareholders’ meeting, the Chinese Football Association Super League Co., Ltd (CFA) announced the delivery of a negotiation letter by China Sports Media (CSM). CSM made it clear in the letter that it would postpone the second payment of the rights fee of RMB 0.6 billion, which is due by July 1, 2017.

CSM indicates that with new policies like U23 and the adjustment fee regulations of local and foreign players, the operation and commercial value of CSL will be greatly influenced. Therefore, CSM needs to re-negotiate with CFA and postpone the due payment for now.

Some comments believe that while the new policies aim at suppressing the CSL bubbles and encouraging the clubs to train young players, there will be a great reduction in opportunities for the clubs to introduce foreign players or get them to play. The comments said that the CSL matches will be much less enjoyable, and their ratings will also be influenced.

Chinese media the Paper also reported that ever since the CSM signed the broadcasting rights contract of the following 5 CSL seasons for RMB 8 billion in October 2015, CSM has been facing a great pressure in finding media distributors of such rights.  

Source: The Paper

Proofread by Linda Barouk