In a deal brokered by IMG, New World TV Group (NWTV), a Togo-based satellite pay-TV broadcaster, has announced that it has secured the exclusive pay TV rights to broadcast England’s Emirates FA Cup in 17 countries across western and central Africa and non-exclusively in Chad.
BMA understands that under the agreement, NWTV will broadcast live French-language coverage for all fixtures from the next two seasons of the annual football competition alongside highlight programming.
The FA Cup is the oldest national cup competition in football and celebrated its 150th-anniversary last year.
IMG currently distributes the international media rights for the FA Cup, the FA Community Shield and the FA Youth Cup, excluding western Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.
The pay-TV operator will broadcast the FA Cup exclusively on pay TV in Benin, Burundi, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Guinea, Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles and Togo.
Speaking on the acquisition, Nimonka Kolani, NWTV’s Managing Director, said, “NWTV pays special attention to making sure all Africans can access premium content at a reasonable price. We are delighted to have secured another major sporting competition, reinforcing our relationship with our audience, who will be able to experience these unique moments. Through our strategic partnerships, we will reach several millions of viewers.”
IMG Media’s SVP for France and Benelux and EMEA Business Development, Beatrice Saunier, said, “This deal marks another way we’re working with the FA to bring its most prestigious competition to new international partners around the world. The FA Cup is one of football’s biggest and most beloved competitions, and this season is set to be another thrilling edition. We’re delighted to partner with NWTV to further drive its reach.”
