Econet Scores Brazilian Soccer for Kwesé

SÃO PAULO: Econet Media has inked a three-season deal with Globo for the rights to broadcast live games from Brazil’s leading soccer tournaments, with English commentary, on its Kwesé-branded platforms.

From this year until 2018, Kwesé, which was created for sub-Saharan African audiences, will be the exclusive broadcaster of the Brazilian League in Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zanzibar and Zimbabwe.

The agreement includes the rights to air 110 games of the Brazilian League running from May to December each year until 2018, and 43 games from São Paulo State League (from February to May annually). Both tournaments will be available on Kwesé platforms. In addition, Kwesé will air the weekly shows FootBrazil and FootBrazil Highlights. Econet also secured sub-licensing rights.

Econet Media CEO Joseph Hundah stated: “Brazil is a global soccer powerhouse whose world-famous superstars have included the likes of Pelé, Zico, Roberto Carlos, Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, among countless other legends of the game. The outstanding skills of their top players have thrilled soccer fans for decades and we are delighted that we have acquired the rights for Kwesé Sports to showcase a new generation of soccer icons in the making. Our www.kwesesports.com website continues to grow and this deal with Globo is indicative of our commitment to give African sports fans access to the best in premium sports content.”

Raphael Corrêa Netto, Globo’s head of international sales, added: “We are pleased to work with Econet Media. It’s an important deal that will deliver the best of Brazilian soccer to more fans around the world. We believe that Brazilian soccer has a truly global appeal and we are sure Kwesé viewers will enjoy following the thrilling action from these two famous leagues.”