Nordic Entertainment Group reached an agreement with Formula 1 to extend its exclusive media rights to F1 in Denmark, Norway and Sweden until '21. The new deal "includes every practice session, qualifier and race over the next three seasons" live on a combination of NENT Group’s Viaplay streaming service and its free-TV and pay-TV channels. In addition, NENT Group and F1 will together offer an "additional streaming service" from the start of the '19 season "at the latest" (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 6/13).
Mediapro failed to present an offer in the second auction for Serie A’s '18-21 broadcasting rights. It was reported that only Sky, Mediaset and Perform Group made bids before Wednesday’s 10pm deadline. Serie A sponsor TIM and Italia Way, the two other companies tipped to enter the fray, "were also absent" (FOOTBALL ITALIA, 6/13).
Eutelsat will use five satellites to deliver World Cup football from Russia to Europe and the Americas. The Paris-based operator confirmed capacity equivalent to 5,500 hours of HD transmissions "has already been booked by a number of TV channels and service providers" (BROADBAND TV NEWS, 6/12).
The Int'l Hockey Federation agreed to a five-year partnership with Fox Sports Australia, giving fans access to live and exclusive HD coverage of the Hockey Pro League, Hockey World Cups, Champions Trophies and Olympic qualification events until '22. Fox Sports, exclusively on Foxtel, will broadcast all 16 matches hosted by Australia’s Kookaburras (men) and Hockeyroos (women) as part of the Hockey Pro League, which will launch in early '19 (Fox Sports).
