Malaysian pay-TV broadcaster Astro has secured the rights to broadcast the English Premier League (EPL) and the FA Cup matches for the next three seasons, starting from the 2025-26 season and extending through 2027-28. This renewal ensures that Malaysian football fans will continue to enjoy live coverage of these iconic English football competitions.
All 380 EPL matches per season, as well as the entirety of the FA Cup, will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) by Astro, with select matches available in 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD). Beyond live broadcasts, Astro will also produce and deliver a range of original and localized content, including exclusive interviews, magazine programs, and engaging fan experiences such as viewing parties and prize giveaways.
Commitment to combating piracy
Recognizing the growing threat of sports piracy, Astro and the Premier League have emphasized a joint commitment to combating illegal streaming and protecting intellectual property. Both parties have acknowledged the crucial role of law enforcement agencies in deterring piracy and ensuring the long-term sustainability of legitimate sports broadcasting.
Euan Smith, Astro group chief executive, has said:
“This renewal demonstrates our commitment to continue delivering the very best of sports to Malaysians. We look forward to bringing fans closer to the action through our extensive coverage.”
Paul Molnar, Premier League chief media officer, said:
“This renewal reflects our shared commitment to providing world-class football entertainment to supporters across Malaysia. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with Astro to deliver the best possible experience for Premier League fans in the region.”
This announcement follows the recent news of a three-year EPL rights deal with Jasmine International in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, further solidifying the league's presence in Southeast Asia.
Industry-wide shift in rights management
The Premier League is currently undergoing a significant shift in its media rights strategy. From the end of the 2025-26 season, the league will establish its own in-house media operations business, taking over the production and distribution of all international content, marking a departure from its long-standing partnership with IMG.
Domestically, the Premier League will continue to be broadcast by Sky and TNT Sports through the 2028-29 season, following deals announced last December.
The renewed partnership between Astro and the Premier League ensures that Malaysian football fans will continue to enjoy top-tier English football for the foreseeable future. This agreement underscores the importance of combating piracy and highlights the ongoing evolution of sports media rights in the global landscape.
