Real Madrid has "purchased 25% of Spanish broadcaster Veo TV to be able to broadcast its Real Madrid TV content." Up "until this point," Real Madrid's "official channel was only available through pay-TV broadcaster Digital Plus" (AS, 12/4). ... Five football professionals and national team players -- Michael Ballack (Germany), Alexi Lalas (U.S.), Steve McManaman (England), Santiago Solari (Argentina) and Taylor Twellman (U.S.) -- have been named analysts for ESPN's 2014 FIFA World Cup team in Brazil. Ballack, Lalas, McManaman and Solari will appear on pre-match, halftime and post-match shows, SportsCenter, ESPN FC, and FIFA World Cup-themed news and information programs. Twellman will primarily serve as a co-commentator. McManaman will also commentate on select matches (ESPN). ... Sports and betting-related data specialist Sportradar "has agreed a deal to license the exclusive retail rights for the Turkish Cup" football competition, the Türkiye Kupasi. The deal, struck with media company Saran Group, "includes all matches of the current Turkish cup competition and started with the live transmission of the match between Bandirmaspor and Elazigspor on Tuesday." It "covers a further nine matches this week" (SOCCEREX, 12/3).
