MLS Inks Deals To Televise Matches Live in Brazil, Middle East, and North Africa

Major League Soccer has partnered with Brazilian broadcaster Globosat, Latin America’s biggest pay-TV operator, to televise league matches live in Brazil. A four-year deal has been agreed, marking the first time the Rio de Janeiro-based cable and satellite provider will have MLS broadcast rights. In addition, Major League Soccer has partnered with Abu Dhabi Sports Channel to televise league matches live across the Middle East and North Africa, reaching 25 countries throughout the region.

Globosat’s Four-Year Deal Brings MLS to Brazil

The Brazil agreement will see Globosat televise at least two MLS regular-season matches per week, as well as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, at least one Decision Day match, half of the MLS Cup Playoffs games and MLS Cup, in alternating years on Globosat networks SporTV 1, SporTV 2 and SporTV 3. In addition, Globosat will carry games, features and other content across its digital platforms.

This partnership amplifies MLS’ exposure across South America’s most populated country in conjunction with the current agreement with ESPN Brasil, a rights holder incorporated into ESPN’s MLS domestic agreement.

“This new agreement with Globosat is further illustration of the growing demand for Major League Soccer in the global media rights marketplace. With Flavio Augusto da Silva’s ownership of Orlando City SC and with over 15 Brazilian players in MLS, including Kaká, there is clearly an increased desire for MLS content in Brazil,” saYS Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures in a statement.  “We are excited to be partnered with such a powerful brand in Globosat and are confident that together we will create even greater awareness for the sport, our clubs and our stars.”

MLS will also retain the rights to one game per week for free-to-air TV (FTA TV), allowing for unprecedented coverage in Brazil. With Orlando City SC captain and Brazilian legend Kaká and three-time MLS Cup champion Juninho of the LA Galaxy leading the already-established contingent of Brazilian players in the League, Globosat will be a consistent destination for MLS fans in Brazil to follow the fortunes of their acclaimed compatriots.

The deal was negotiated with MLS’ new global media rights agent, IMG, as part of a continued focus to bring MLS to more fans around the world.

Abu Dhabi Sports Channel To Broadcast MLS in Middle East, North Africa
As part of the four-year agreement with Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, starting with the current season, the United Arab Emirates-based broadcaster will telecast at least two MLS regular season matches per week, as well as the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, the MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup, on the Abu Dhabi Sports Channels (Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya and Abu Dhabi Al Riyadiya 2).

The broadcaster will have exclusive rights to pay and free-to-air (FTA) TV, including digital live streaming of MLS matches. This marks the first time MLS matches will be telecast on Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.

“Our new partnership with Abu Dhabi Media Company is another affirmation of the growing interest in MLS around the globe, as both a league and media property,” said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures, in a statement.

“We are excited to be partnered with a market leader in sports media and look forward to providing fans in the Middle East and North Africa with access to the high quality programming MLS has to offer.”

The deal with Abu Dhabi Media Company was negotiated with MLS’ new global media rights agent, IMG, as part of a continued focus to bring MLS to more fans around the world. The partnership comes on the heels of recent television agreements with Globosat in Brazil, Sky Sports in the UK and pan-European broadcaster Eurosport.

Password must contain the following:

A lowercase letter

A capital (uppercase) letter

A number

Minimum 8 characters

;
SVGLogoHR_NOTAG-200

The Latest in Sports Video Production & Technology
in Your Inbox for FREE

Daily Email Newsletters Monday - Friday