Major League Soccer (MLS) announced today that it has partnered with China Sports Media (CSM), a leading sports marketing agency, to offer live coverage of League matches throughout China with the premier streaming video platforms, K-Ball and PPTV.
The two-year partnership, which marks the first time CSM will have MLS rights, covers distribution of at least three regular season matches per week on K-Ball and one regular season match per week on PPTV, as well as the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, Decision Day Presented by AT&T, Audi MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS Cup. In addition, CSM will distribute weekly highlights, player features and other MLS content across the platforms. This new partnership creates a unique opportunity to increase MLS’ exposure across the world’s most populous country.
“We are excited to partner with CSM, and to have Major League Soccer reach Mainland China via the K-Ball and PPTV platforms,” said Gary Stevenson, President and Managing Director, MLS Business Ventures. “MLS is coming off another record year in attendance, viewership and digital growth, this partnership is yet another example of our efforts to continue that growth worldwide. China is a priority market, and we are confident that CSM will help expand our presence in the region and deliver MLS content to fans throughout the country.”
“With the worldwide development of Major League Soccer over the years, it has become one of the most important leagues in the world and CSM is glad to partner with MLS. We are confident that MLS will become one of the most popular leagues in China through our best efforts,” said Mrs. Zhao Jun, General Manager of CSM.
MLS’ global footprint reaches over 170 countries and territories worldwide. Global partners broadcasting MLS matches include Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, Eurosport across Europe, Globosat in Brazil, Abu Dhabi Media in the Middle East and North Africa, beIN SPORTS across Southeast Asia and Australia, FOX Sports Latin America and FOX Sports Africa, Sportcast in Taiwan, StarHub in Singapore, R-Media in Honduras, DSport in India, TVNZ Duke in New Zealand and ESPN International. Domestic partnerships with ESPN, FOX Sports, Univision, TSN and TVA Sports provide broadcasts of MLS matches throughout the United States and Canada.
IMG, Major League Soccer’s global media rights agent since 2015, facilitated the agreement.
