ESPN acquires Premier League rights across Asia

ESPN Star Sports (ESS), has been able to secure exclusive rights for the English  Premier League matches throughout Asia, Digital Media reports.

The rights will be used to air all 380 matches  on television, internet and mobile platforms. In addition, 190 of these matches will be made available for video download on demand.

According to Reuters, Astro All Asia Networks (AAAN.KL), paid television operator, will share a three-year deal with ESPN in Malaysia. According to The Star newspaper, Astro paid around USD 233 million for the rights, which is USD 50 million or more than their 2006 bid. They were able to win against competitor Telekom Maylaysia  (TLMM.KL).

ESON has exclusive Premier League broadcasting rights in India, Indonesia, East Timor, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, North and South Korea, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Brunei.

ESS gave SingTel, Singapore broadcaster, exclusive rights to air sports networks and services for mio TV set to take effect in mid-2010.