IMG, Fox Sports International in Distribution Tie-Up

NEW YORK/LONDON, June 23: IMG
Worldwide’s sports production and distribution arm has reached a deal to
exclusively represent all of Fox Sports International’s (FSI) programming
outside of the U.S.

IMG Sports Media will
assume full distribution responsibilities for FSI’s catalogue of more than
3,000 hours, beginning July 1. FSI operates Fox Soccer Channel as well as Fox
Sports World Canada (with Global Television) and Fox Pan American Sports (with
HM Capital Partners), a venture that includes Fox Sports en Español. The FSI
program-distribution slate includes Bowl Championship Series college football,
Big Ten Network programming (including football and basketball), Fuel TV
action-sports programming, FSN college football and basketball and Fox Soccer
Channel properties. In addition, FSI represents a variety of third-party sports
programs, including the Everton FC Channel, Argentine soccer’s Torneo de
Verano, the ASP Women’s Surfing Tour and the “Skating Gold” figure skating
series, among others.

“We look forward to
leveraging our worldwide presence and extensive relationships with
broadcasters, as well as our representation of premier properties, governing
bodies and sporting events, to help Fox Sports International expand the reach
and exposure of their comprehensive catalogue of programming,” said Michel
Masquelier, the executive VP and head of acquisition and sales worldwide at IMG
Media.

Hillary Mandel, the senior
VP of programming and distribution at IMG Media, added, “Fox Sports
International is a first-class sports and media company, and we are delighted
they have chosen to align their outstanding programming catalogue with IMG.
Over the last year, we have significantly expanded our international
distribution capabilities and fortified our presence in territories around the
world. We have the expertise to help companies like Fox Sports International
navigate the international marketplace and maximize the value of their assets.”

David Sternberg, the
executive VP and COO of emerging networks for Fox Cable Networks, stated: “We
are pleased to enlist the expertise of IMG Sports Media in generating increased
distribution and sales revenues for our sports programming properties. This
agreement will help to expose audiences worldwide to the finest in sports event
coverage and feature programming from Fox-affiliated networks and our many
content suppliers.”

—By Mansha Daswani