Telefónica Scores FC Barcelona TV Rights

MADRID: Telefónica has signed a deal with the Spanish football club Barcelona for the broadcast rights for the 2015-16 season, in a deal worth a reported 140 million euros ($159.5 million).

The move marks the end of a long-standing collaboration with broadcaster Mediapro. "FC Barcelona would like to thank the company Mediapro for their support and their collaboration over the years that they have been linked to our organization in the area of television rights," the club said in a statement.

An agreement was also signed yesterday with Telefónica for the next three seasons as a regional partner in Latin America, including Mexico. FC Barcelona's board of directors commented, "This agreement with Telefónica is in line with a long history of collaborations that began back in 2003 and will allow Barça fans to get closer to the Club in an area that is more and more strategic for the global development of our organization. This agreement with Telefónica comes at a time when the company has great commercial links with Latin America that connect perfectly with the sporting potential of our club. A potential that can count on the best players in the world, much admired South American stars such as Messi, Neymar, Suárez, Bravo, Mascherano and Alves amongst others."