Saudi Arabia

Latest Features

Saudi Arabia’s confirmation that it will create a rights-acquisition and content platform under its Saudi Sports Company division had long been expected. What took some industry observers by surprise was the country’s apparent scaling back of its ambitions and the ostensibly softer tone used when outlining its acquisitions strategy.

At stake is the future funding of elite sport through the sale of media rights.

A consortium of major rights-holders is about to launch legal action in the Saudi courts against the beoutQ pirate broadcast operation, which the rights-holders believe is backed by the Saudi government., SportBusiness Media understands.

Dubai-based free-to-air broadcaster MBC’s acquisition of Formula One in the Middle East and North Africa could trigger a shake-up in the regional rights market, which could lead to MBC’s backer, Saudi Arabia, becoming a legitimate player.

League gets out of tight corner in Middle East with MP & Silva deal

Pay-television broadcaster beIN Media Group has said it has received no “official communication” from Saudi Arabia, amid some reports that the beIN Sports channels have returned to the air in the country.

The Formula E electric racing series has announced it will stage its first night race in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, as part of its 2020-21 season

A state-controlled sports media company set up by the Saudi Arabia authorities would only look to secure broadcast rights in the country and not across the Middle East and North Africa, according to the…

Saudi Arabian competition authorities have permanently cancelled the licence of Qatar-based pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports and issued a fine of SAR10m (€2.34m/$2.6

Features

Al Jazeera helps Pitch to pull off Brazilian rights coup

Klefer bags key Brazil rights

Football: Pan-regional broadcaster Al Jazeera Sport acquired the rights for Fifa competitions between 2015 and 2022, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cup The deal covers cable, satellite, terrestrial,…

English Premier League to receive £74 million over three years from sale of mobile and internet clip rights

Olympics: Hong Kong pay-television broadcaster I-Cable Communications acquired the new media rights for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and all media rights for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver and…