Fox Sports "acquired the exclusive broadcast rights for the UEFA Europa League in Hong Kong" for three seasons, starting with the '15-16 season, according to ADVANCED TELEVISION. This "is the first time Fox Sports has acquired the rights to the UEFA Europa League in Asia." The multimedia platform deal covers linear channels, IPTV, Internet and mobile, "with access to all 205 matches over 15 match-weeks." The Europa League "has also increased in significance" as the winner from the '14-15 season onward will gain direct entry to the Champions League for the following season (ADVANCED TELEVISION, 8/20). TELECOM PAPER reported Hong Kong's i-Cable, the official broadcaster of the Champions League in Hong Kong, has extended all media rights for another three seasons from 2015 to 2018." Spanning TV, new media and mobile platforms, the acquisition "allows i-Cable to bring local viewers" the tournament featuring the continent's strongest football clubs. This extension "will make i-Cable official UCL broadcaster for nine straight years" from '09-18. I-Cable will bring viewers about 100 Champions League matches every season, "including selected games from the Play-offs and Group Stage as well as all matches from Round 16 through to the Final" (TELECOM PAPER, 8/19).
