NHL Reaches Multi-Year Deal To Distribute Games Throughout Asia

NHL Inks Multi-Year Deal For ASN To Broadcast Games Throughout Asia

The NHL today announced a multi-year rights deal with the All Sports Network (ASN) to allow the net to broadcast and distribute NHL games throughout most of the Asian market, including China and India (NHL). The GLOBE & MAIL's William Houston reports the deal includes "more than 130 regular season games, the NHL All-Star game, the playoffs and Stanley Cup Final," and highlights programs "will also be available." NHL telecasts "will be distributed in South Korea" during the '09-2010 season, the second year of the contract, but distribution "will not include Japan, Australia or New Zealand." ASN is owned by Hong Kong-based Yes TV (GLOBE & MAIL, 9/25). DAILY VARIETY's Patrick Frater reports the deal will see hockey "carried on ASN from the start of the 2008-09 season and gives Yes TV and ASN rights in all TV formats throughout most of Asia" (DAILY VARIETY, 9/25).