Sportsnet today announced it has reached a six-year multiplatform extension for the FA Cup through the 2017-18 season, maintaining the network’s hold as Canada’s premier destination for the world’s biggest soccer events.
The new deal delivers multimedia rights for up to 59 matches per year on television, online and mobile. The FA Cup is England’s most historic club competition, highlighted by some of the world’s best club teams including Manchester United and Arsenal.
Today’s announcement comes on the eve of the highly-anticipated 2012 FA Cup Final featuring Chelsea vs. Liverpool, airing this Saturday, May 5 on Sportsnet World. The action gets underway with the pre-game show at 11:15 a.m. ET / 8:15 a.m. PT.
Sportsnet’s broadcast rights for the FA Cup dates back to 2009.
“Soccer’s rapid popularity in Canada has developed a thirst for premier soccer events including the FA Cup tournament and the pageantry of the Cup Final,” said Navaid Mansuri, Vice-President of Finance & Sports Programming, Rogers Media. “The new agreement fuels fans with premium soccer content across our multiple platforms and supports Sportsnet’s already strong stable of best-in-class soccer properties.”
Hot on the heels of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers acquisition announced earlier this week, today’s announcement complements Sportsnet’s robust lineup of recent multiplatform rights agreements for soccer including the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Champions League.
Over the next six years, Sportsnet’s FA Cup coverage includes:
· First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Proper Rounds
· Replay matches
· Semifinals
· Final
