The big bucks around football

A VERY expensive bidding war for rights to broadcast the Barclays Premier League (BPL) in Malaysia is poised to have a big impact on the local pay-TV market. The fight, very likely involving Astro, Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) and ESPN STAR Sports, also highlights how UK-based Football Association Premier League (FAPL) is seeking to milk the most out of the situation.

“There are regional and country specific bids taking place simultaneously. Only the FAPL is privy to the bids. They may choose to sell country specific rights if the bids are high enough and still sell a regional package minus that particular country, thereby getting the most out of it,” explains an industry source.