FIC Pacts with MLB Across Europe

NEW YORK: FOX International Channels has inked a deal with Major League Baseball International to deliver coverage of live games in more than 30 European countries, kicking off with the 2013 World Series.

The exclusive multiplatform long-term agreement grants FIC the rights to distribute all MLB games, including regular season, All-Star Game, Home Run Derby, Wild Card match ups, Divisional Series, League Championship Series and the World Series. FIC can also broadcast a number of library games, plus related programming from MLB and FOX.

“FIC’s new partnership with Major League Baseball International underscores our strategy to build a premier sports rights portfolio that we can leverage across multiple territories on our different TV channels distributed in Europe,” said Diego Londoño, COO of FOX international Channels Europe & Africa. “We look forward to continuing to create value for our distributors and viewers throughout the world.”

“The relationship with FOX International Channels allows us to expand our relationship with Fox and is an exciting development for our business in Europe,” said Paul Archey, senior VP of international business operations at Major League Baseball. “This deal exemplifies the growing popularity of baseball across Europe and will provide increased access to telecasts for our many passionate fans.”