The new deal between the streaming service and the Italian top flight is set to run for the next three seasons
Abu Dhabi Media (ADM), the public service broadcaster of the UAE government, and private media company Starzplay, have signed a deal to exclusively stream coverage of elite Italian football for the next three seasons.
The agreement not only covers the Italian top flight Serie A but also major domestic cup competitions in the country - the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Starzplay is the fastest growing live streaming and VOD service in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and will now have an even more impressive rights portfolio since adding more elite sport to its roster.
The Italian Football Federation has signed over broadcasting rights to its three elite competitions after being impressed by the joint bid from ADM and Starzplay.
Starzplay caters to more than 2 million subscribers in the region and this new deal will allow Serie A the opportunity to boost its profile in an area with a population of over 400 million people.
Haitham Al Kathiri, Acting Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi TV Network, said:
"AD Sports' acquisition of the exclusive broadcast rights to Italian League (Serie A), Italy Cup (Coppa Italia) and Italian Super Cup (Supercoppa Italiana) confirms our leading position, and highlights our technical expertise and media portfolio. We look forward to broadcasting the competitions in partnership with Starzplay, which is enjoyed by millions of football fans around the world."
Danny Bates, Chief Commercial Officer at Starzplay also weighed in on the deal, stating:
"Sports in the OTT space is a huge focus for us, and we have been investing in the live sports category over the last year with our platform witnessing an impressive subscription growth. As part of our long-term strategy, we are building this content category into one of our core products, offering the best in sports entertainment to subscribers across the region. With our stellar technical and customer support, Starzplay today is undoubtedly the best positioned platform to seize this incredible opportunity."
The addition of Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana will bolster Starzplay's sports live streaming rights portfolio, which already includes international sports events like the AFC, UFC and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fans of Serie A in the MENA region will need to subscribe to Starzplay in order to follow their favourite teams, but will also gain access to a host of other live and on demand sports content.
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