Zug, Switzerland - Infront Sports & Media, media and marketing partner of the European Handball Federation for the EHF European Championships, has secured an exclusive media rights agreement with beIN SPORTS, the global network of sports channels. The contract covers the Men’s and Women’s EHF EUROs in 2016 and 2018, as well as the rights for the away qualification matches of the French national teams. It includes free and pay rights for live, delayed, highlights and news coverage across a broad geographical region.
The territories included in the agreement are:
For the Women's EHF EURO 2018 in France, beIN SPORT FRANCE will operate as host broadcaster as well as facilitate free-TV coverage (through sublicensing or free-to-air window on beIN SPORTS network) live and in full length of all matches involving the French national team. For all four tournaments in the cycle, beIN SPORTS FRANCE will broadcast a minimum of 10 matches on its platforms (including all French matches, both semi-finals and one final match).
Yousef Al-Obaidly, beIN MEDIA GROUP Deputy Chief Executive officer and beIN SPORTS FRANCE President, said: “In the past, international handball, such as the latest IHF World Championship, has demonstrated its value as strong and appealing programming for our global audiences - across both television and online platforms. We register rising interest not only in Europe, but also in territories where handball is on growth paths, such as the promising MENA region. We look forward to featuring the EHF EURO and its qualifications as a continued element in our sports portfolio.”
Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports at Infront, commented: “With the comprehensive beIN SPORTS agreement, we have secured both the key region France, as well as strong consumer markets overseas for the upcoming EHF EURO tournaments – extending worldwide audience reach and presence for the sport of handball. When France plays host to the 2018 Women’s EHF EURO, fans will be provided with broad coverage both on free and pay TV – ensuring a large exposure to the event in one of its most significant European regions.”
The Men’s and Women’s EHF EURO 2016 are scheduled to take place in Poland (15 - 31 January) and Sweden (4 - 18 December) respectively and the Men’s EHF EURO 2018 in Croatia (12 - 28 January) with the Women’s EHF EURO 2018 in France (30 November - 16 December).
Infront Sports & Media is the most respected sports marketing company in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production and event operation – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football and summer sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 160 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of experienced staff working from 25 offices across 13 countries, delivering 4,000 event days of top class sport around the world every year.