TORONTO and NEW YORK – Canadian-based Internet broadcaster JumpTV said today that it has acquired from SCP Worldwide the exclusive North American online and mobile rights for the 70 remaining matches of the FIFA 2010 World Cup South American region qualifying matches and up to 40 associated "friendly" matches.
JumpTV also announced that is has taken an equity stake in SCP Worldwide’s overall broadcast rights for this content. SCP and JumpTV have also jointly secured distribution deals for this content with ESPN, DirecTV, Dish Network and InDemand to create an integrated coverage package.
JumpTV paid approximately US$3.5 million for a minority stake in the rights for all broadcast platforms, including DTH, cable, terrestrial, Internet and mobile. As part of the transaction, JumpTV will exclusively carry the live games online and will sub-license on-demand highlights to other potential online partners. JumpTV and SCP will also select and sub-license to mobile partners.
"JumpTV is committed to investing in world-leading sports content", said Jordan Banks, CEO of JumpTV. "Our partnership with SCP is evidence of our momentum in the sports arena and particularly in respect to sports on the Internet."
From June 2008 through November 2009, JumpTV will offer all 70 games of the tournament. The matches will be played between the 10 South American Federations, which have won more World Cups in the past 13 tournaments than any other continent and includes world powerhouses – Brazil and Argentina. JumpTV will also offer up to 40 associated "friendly" matches over the term. Pricing for the pay-per-view packages will be determined at a later date and certain games may be offered on a free, ad-supported basis.
