In what could be a game-changer for not only the region but also far beyond, social media behemoth Facebook has sealed a US$200 million rights deal to stream English Premier League matches in parts of Southeast Asia from 2019.
The landmark deal will see all 380 league matches broadcast by the social media giant in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos until 2022, according to The Times.Facebook outbid television networks beIn Sports and Fox Sports Asia, the report said.It follows Facebook’s failure last year to acquire the rights to Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket, after being beaten by Star India’s $2.55 billion bid.
The deal will represent a significant expansion on its sports broadcasting assets. Facebook currently streams Major League Baseball, College Basketball and occasional Champions League football games in the US in a partnership with Fox Sports.
This deal follows a recent English Premier League agreement with digital video player Amazon, which will be licensed to broadcast 20 live matches from the 2019/20 season.
