Hong Kong-based telco PCCW has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights in Hong Kong to the major cricket series the Indian Premier League (IPL) for three seasons from 2010 to 2012.
Under the media rights package, PCCW has obtained the rights to broadcast live all 60 cricket matches from the IPL in 2010 on its IPTV service 'now TV', with the first game to be broadcast on March 19th, and repeats and highlights to also be shown.
"We're excited to have acquired these rights and add another major sporting event to now TV's sports lineup," said Janice Lee, Executive Vice President of TV & New Media at PCCW. "The Indian Premier League has established itself as one of the most popular Twenty20 cricket events. Our commitment to this event also demonstrates our continuous efforts to offer our customers top quality sports in every category."
One-off season tickets to the 2010 season of the IPL are now available for subscription, and customers who subscribe before April 1st get an early bird price of HK$ 488 (US$ 62.90), compared to the original price of HK$ 688.
PCCW recently revealed in its annual results for 2009 that it had reached 1.001mn subscribers for its IPTV service by the end of last year, up 5% year-on-year, and that the service also turned a profit for the first time last year.
