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SBS agrees broadcast deal with BeIn Sport for continued Champions League coverage

SBS 2Pay-TV broadcaster BeIn Sport has on-sold free-to-air rights for the 2015/16 UEFA Champions League to SBS.

The Al Jazeera-owned channel bought the Australian rights for the competition earlier this month after outbidding long-time holder ESPN for them, as it looks to beef up its content offering in Australia.

The new three-year partnership will see SBS hold exclusive free-to-air rights, which will include one live match on Wednesdays and a weekly one hour highlights show on Thursday nights.

SBS previously held a similar deal with ESPN, and the latest agreement continues the broadcast partnership it has held with Europe’s premier club soccer completion since 1992.

Ken Shipp, director of sport at SBS, said he was pleased to have secured the deal.

“Football is becoming increasingly competitive in the Australian market – so we’re delighted that we’ve secured the rights for another 3 years,” he added.

“International sport is at the heart of SBS and reflects our unique Charter by connecting our diverse communities. SBS really loves Football, so we look forward to continuing our free-to-air coverage of the Champions League.”

It is the first major acquisition by BeIn in the sports rights field since it bought out Setanta Sport’s operation a year ago. The station is available via subscription online, or through a top-up payment on Foxtel and Fetch TV.

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