Ten Network acquires TV rights for French Football League

NEW DELHI: Sports broadcaster Ten Network today said it has bagged the television rights for LIVE and exclusive broadcast of the French Football League up to 2014-15 on multiple distribution platform for South Asia market.

The deal, from 2012-13 to 2014-15, offers 232 matches showcasing two of French football's prestigious title competitions -- Ligue 1 and Coupe de la Ligue, Ten Sports said in a statement.

No financial details were disclosed. "Acquisition of the French League (telecast rights) underlines our commitment to football fans in the region as we continue providing the most entertaining content to our viewers, and an excellent promotional platform for our advertisers," Zee CEO (Sports Business) Atul Pande said.

Ligue 1 is the primary football competition in France and has 20 clubs, including Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the statement said.

The clubs will play home and away matches over 38 rounds, with the 2012-13 season beginning August 10.

The deal was negotiated with MP & Silva, an international sports rights agency.

"European football TV audiences in India are rapidly growing, attracting more interest from leagues, competitions, sponsors and players to satisfy this appetite," MP & Silva Group CEO Andrea Radrizzani said.

All Ligue 1 teams will also play in the Coupe de la Ligue, with the title held by Marseille since 2010/11.