IMG Seals Extension to Distribute Chelsea TV Rights Outside of UK & Ireland

Europa League champions, medstore Chelsea have announced a new deal with IMG Media, a division of IMG Worldwide, for the sports media company to exclusively distribute Chelsea TV worldwide outside of the UK and Ireland for another three years.

The agreement, which will run for the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons, will see the introduction of a new bespoke three-hour weekly programming block in High Definition for the international market.

In addition, IMG Media are marketing the media rights to the Europa League winners’ Asian tour this summer to Thailand, Malaysia, and for the first time, Indonesia. Chelsea play the Singha All-Star XI in Bangkok on July 17, a Malaysia XI in Kuala Lumpur on July 21 and an Indonesia XI in Jakarta on July 25.  Tour coverage has been sold to 65 countries throughout the world.

Chelsea TV will continue to offer full delayed coverage of all Chelsea FC’s Premier League, FA Cup, Capital One Cup and European matches, plus other exclusive content from the club’s day-to-day activity.

Michael Mellor, Senior Vice President for IMG Media, said: “We are delighted to have extended our long-standing relationship with Chelsea FC, who we have worked with since 2003.

“The club has become a true global brand and there is immense interest in not only their match action but also for their fans around the world to get an insight into how the club operates. We believe the new High Definition programming block will prove a big success and their tour of Asia will increase their popularity in the region.”

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea Chief Executive said: “Chelsea’s relationship with IMG has helped increase exposure of the football club around the world via our hugely popular club channel. We are pleased to continue our partnership and look forward to the new programming block continuing our success in bringing Chelsea FC into the homes of our worldwide fan base.”