By Paul Nicholson
March 3 – While international interest in China has generally been inward looking with big name players from Europe making big money transfers to Chinese clubs, the Chinese Super League (CSL) itself is also looking outward and has appointed IMG as the exclusive sales agent for its global TV rights outside of China.
IMG has signed a two-year deal with an option to extend. IMG will also consult on production as well as hold inflight broadcast rights.
The league season kicks off today (March 4), and runs through to November. The specialist TV sports distributor reckons that the heightened international profile of the league is already generating broadcast interest.
Michael Mellor, SVP and Head of Football for IMG Media, said: “The CSL is one of the new hot properties in league football following their recent investment in top players from the main European leagues. There is increased interest in the league which continues to grow in stature each season. We are delighted to be helping them expand international coverage and have already received strong interest in a number of territories including in the UK, Europe, Brazil, the Middle East, and Asia.”
The recently closed transfer window saw Alex Teixeira join Jiangsu Suning from Shakhtar Donetsk for $56 million (the club had already signed Ramires from Chelsea for $31 million), while Colombian striker Jackson Martinez left Atletico Madrid for a reported $46 million to join current AFC Champions League holders and CSL champions for the last five seasons, Guangzhou Evergrande (coached by Brazilian Luis Felipe Scolari).
Big name players now into their second season in China include former Chelsea striker Demba Ba signed by Shanghai Shenhua for £9.75 million, Brazil midfielder Paulinho signed from Tottenham Hotspur for Guangzhou Evergrande for £10.5 million deal and ex-Sunderland striker Asamoah Gyan who moved to Shanghai SIPG for £6.75 million.
Zhaojun, general manager of CSM said: “The sports industry has been taking great leaps forward to bring more commercial benefits to China. You will see a continued interest in CSL as an important part of our investment strategy globally. We are confident we can build CSL into one of the top leagues in the world, and will be working with IMG to expand its influence in the overseas market.”
The 16 team CSL had an average gate of 21,800 last season across its 240 match season.
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