China’s BesTV EPL exclusive
July 1, 2013
Chinese IPTV provider, Shanghai-based BesTV, has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for the FA Premier League from 2013 to 2018 on new media television in the Chinese mainland.
The rights were purchased from Super Sports Media Group which has the exclusive live audio visual broadcast rights for matches for the seasons 2010/11-2018/19 in the Chinese mainland and Macao.
BesTV introduced the Premier League in 2010 and has received positive feedback from its users. According to the announcement, BesTV also injected $1.85 million into Super Sports Media Group through cash and taking 14 percent of stock in the company.
At the same time, BesTV’s subsidiary BesTV International (Cayman) Limited will invest $35.15 million into BesTV International (Hongkong) Limited. The investment will be used to expand the overseas business and consumers.
According to the company’s annual report in 2012, IPTV revenue takes up 70 percent of its total income. However, the proportion has declined and BesTV is seeking new ways to regain growth.
The company is now considering purchasing the new media broadcast rights of some multiyear entertainment programs and sports events, the announcement said.