IMG Extend Distribution Rights with World Snooker Ltd.

IMG Media has extended its deal to distribute the worldwide media rights of all live coverage and highlights with World Snooker Limited (WSL), treatment (excluding domestic deals) from WSL events for the foreseeable future.

The partnership will also include event development and promotion, and sponsorship rights. The professional snooker circuit includes prestigious tournaments such as the UK Championship, China Open, the Masters and the Betfred.com World Championship.

Adam Kelly, IMG Media senior vice president Marketing and commercial director, stated: “IMG Media is delighted to announce that our deal with World Snooker Ltd has developed into a long term partnership. We have long believed in the potential to grow the sport and have formed an even closer relationship with World Snooker that will help deliver a bright future. There is lots more to come from Snooker.”

World Snooker Ltd chairman Barry Hearn added: “The growth of snooker internationally in recent years has been exceptional, not only in Asia, but in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Snooker is being enjoyed by a growing number of fans around the world through our international broadcast partnerships. With IMG we are looking to develop snooker into a truly global sport with exposure to millions more fans.”