World Snooker sells 10-year digital audio-visual rights in China

World Snooker has signed a ten-year deal with Rigour Media, which will see the company acquire the exclusive digital audio-visual rights of all World Snooker events in China until 2027.

The deal also includes “e-gaming rights, e-community and social media rights, licensing and e-commerce and an official membership scheme in China,” as stated in an official report.

Viewers in China will be able to stream World Snooker tournaments through Rigour’s sub-licensed platforms and Superstar Online, a mobile application co-founded by the sport’s governing body, the WPBSA, and the Chinese Billiards & Snooker Association.

As World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn said: “Snooker has grown in China at an astonishing rate in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. We have capitalised on this expansion with more tournaments, more prize money for the players and more snooker to watch for fans, both on television and online.”

Rigour Media President Liu Zheng stated: “It’s our duty to promote the development of snooker. We feel really grateful for your trust in Rigour Media and will work hard for the expansion of this sport.”

World Snooker has also reached a long-term broadcasting agreement with China’s national TV station, CCTV, which also runs until 2027. 

Source: WeChat & WPBSA

Proofread by William Logsdon