ESS secures syndication deals for Champions League Twenty20

SINGAPORE - Following the acquisition of the global commercial rights for cricket's Champions League Twenty20 tournament, ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has announced syndication deals with leading broadcasters for the first edition of the tournament.

The multi-platform broadcast partnership covers television, internet and mobile and will reach viewers through Network Ten in Australia, Arab Digital Distribution in the Middle East and North Africa and Willow TV for the North American markets. All three deals are for the first three editions of the tournament from 2008 to 2010.

To be played in India this December, the Champions League Twenty20 is the first-ever international tournament featuring the best teams of the domestic Twenty20 tournaments from various nations including India, Australia and South Africa.

ESS had secured the exclusive global rights for the inaugural tournament in September for US$900 million and will spend a further $75 million to market the event.