Sony acquires broadcasting rights to 2019 FIFA events

Mumbai, May 20: Sony Pictures Networks India Private Limited (SPN) has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for marquee FIFA events in 2019 including the FIFA Womens World Cup France 2019, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019. All the prestigious tournaments will be broadcast on television and digitally within the Indian subcontinent on the sports channels of Sony Pictures Networks and its premium video on demand (VOD) service, SonyLIV.

SPN India Chief Revenue Officer, Distribution and Head – Sports Business Rajesh Kaul said, "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with FIFA and the addition of marquee tournaments like the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, the FIFA U-20 World Cup Poland 2019, the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Paraguay 2019 to our bouquet makes Sony Pictures Sports Network the premier destination for football."

Audiences can expect a full football calendar this year with the FIFA U-20 World Cup in May-June followed by the FIFA Women's World Cup in June-July, the FIFA U-17 World Cup in September-October and the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in November. Additionally, the agreement with FIFA also gives Sony Pictures Networks the rights to broadcast FIFA's archive content in the Indian subcontinent.

The deal continues the successful broadcasting partnership between Sony Pictures Networks and FIFA. The FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia both garnered unprecedented viewership and broke records for football viewership in India. The momentum started building up significantly with the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, which rated better than any international football sporting event broadcast in India with over 47 mn viewers tuning in to the sports channels of SPN. The greatest show on earth, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia also broke viewership records with an unprecedented viewership of 177 mn.

SPN's football portfolio at present also includes UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA EURO 2020, UEFA Nations League, Serie A, LaLiga and the FA Cup.

FIFA Chief Commercial Officer Philippe Le Floc'h said, "This is the year to showcase women's football and inspire more girls and young women to get involved in the sport. By working with such a trusted broadcasting partner as Sony Pictures Networks India, we are confident that we will be able to really show its appeal and build the football fan base in the region."