Sun, Times take Premier League mobile rights
January 24, 2013
News International, the publisher of The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sun, has secured the near-live mobile and Internet rights to 380 Premier League games per season under an exclusive three-year deal.
The rights were previously shared by ESPN, the American broadcaster, and Yahoo!, the internet company.
Mike Darcey, News International’s chief executive, and former COO of Sky, described the deal as “an important step forward in our digital strategy and securing the long-term success of our titles”.
“This is a major breakthrough for the company, allowing us to combine our rich heritage with cutting-edge technology to transform the experience we are offering our subscribers. They will now have access to the most compelling moments in the most competitive football league in the world at a time, place and format that suits them.”
Digital subscribers will be able to watch up to eight 30-second clips during Sunday and weeknight matches on their smartphones and tablets. Clips from the Saturday 3pm games, which cannot be shown live under European legislation, will be available from 5pm. Video highlights will be available through the newspapers’ websites.
Commercial terms were not disclosed but it is understood that News International bid more than the combined sum of £30 million paid by ESPN and Yahoo under the last deal.