ManU announced a "groundbreaking deal" with Sina Sports to broadcast MUTV in China, according to Shelina Begum of the MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS. As part of the deal, Sina Sports has "secured exclusive rights to broadcast the club’s dedicated 24-hour MUTV channel," allowing ManU’s 108 million Chinese followers "unprecedented, behind-the-scenes access to the club." Sina Sports will make MUTV programming available across the "full spectrum of its digital platform, which includes its website, mobile site, and mobile app" (
MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS, 1/7). The BELFAST TELEGRAPH reported ManU claims it has 108 million followers in China and Sina Sports Senior VP Arthur Wei said, "Manchester United has deservedly won over 100 million fans in China and we are excited to see how the club will grow its following through this historic launch" (
BELFAST TELEGRAPH, 1/7). MUTV programming includes full, live coverage and highlights of all the club's Premier League and UEFA matches, coverage of Manager Louis van Gaal’s weekly press conferences, and pre-match buildup with former players. In addition, MUTV gives fans exclusive interviews with team management, coaching staff and first-team players, as well as documentaries and club news (
ManU). In London, Nicholas Megaw reported ManU did not "disclose how much money changed hands in the partnership, which is the latest in a series of deals highlighting China’s interest in the sport." Deloitte Sports Business Group Head Dan Jones said, "You cannot overestimate the extent of the pivot towards football in China in the last six months." He said a "latent appetite for the sport" in China has "had the tap turned on in spectacular fashion, largely by the interest of the president." Jones said that ManU's latest deal will help it to "build a presence among potential sponsors," as well as reach new fans, though he added that only a few "superclubs" such as ManU, Real Madrid and Barcelona have the scale to "fully take advantage of the Chinese market" (
FINANCIAL TIMES, 1/7).
