ESPN STAR Sports bagged the broadcast rights of FIFA world cup in the Indian sub-continent. Channel won the broadcast deal at over $40 million by beating Ten Sports. This exclusive deal includes 2010 FIFA World cup in South Africa and FIFA Confederations cup.
Value of FIFA World cup broadcast rights in Sub-continent:
2002: $3 million (Ten Sports).
2006: $9 million (ESPN STAR Sports)
2010: $40 million (ESPN STAR Sports).
There will be intense competition for 2014 FIFA World cup broadcast rights and bids may cross even $200 million. There is a gradual increase in awareness about Football and Formula one in India especially among lucrative “A” segment viewers. In India, football is traditionally popular among metros along with Kerala, Goa, West Bengal and Manipur states.
ESPN also won the broadcasting rights for 2008 Champions League Cricket.
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Who won the Broad cast right is not the matter. Alarming thing is its exorbitant cost.! From sheer 3 millin $ in 2002, the amount is now 40 million @ and predicted the amount will go up to 200 million for 2014 Brazil world cup. The sky high value is derived from whom. After all football as well as cricket , tennis etc should not be allowed to be commercialised in such a fearful manner.