News Corp Scores Digital Premier League Rights for Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia

NEW YORK: News Corp has secured the exclusive mobile and Internet clip rights for Barclays Premier League and several additional major leagues in Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia.

Starting later this month, News Corp will have the exclusive English Premier League mobile and Internet rights in Japan, Indonesia and Vietnam for a three-year period, through the 2015-16 season. The company reached a two-year deal for additional leagues in those territories. This includes Bundesliga (Germany), Ligue 1 (France), Serie A (Italy), FA Cup (England), Championship (England), Capital One Cup (England), Brazilian Championship and Major League Soccer.

“European football is growing exponentially in popularity in Asia, particularly among the younger generation, whose passion for the game is complemented by a rapidly increasing adoption of smartphones,” said Robert Thomson, the chief executive of News Corp. “We will, exclusively, have every goal from every game in the Premier League and action from the German, French and Italian leagues for audiences in Indonesia, Vietnam and Japan. Given that globalization and digitization are the two most profound and powerful trends of our era, digital delivery of European football in Asia is the sweetest of sweet spots."

Richard Scudamore, Premier League chief executive, added: “We are extremely pleased that News Corp has chosen to invest in our mobile and internet clip rights in Japan, Vietnam and Indonesia. Their expertise in multiplatform news and sport coverage means that fans in all three territories can look forward to comprehensive Barclays Premier League clips being available on their smartphones, tablets and other devices.”