ESS nets new Champions' League deal

Regional - ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has renewed its exclusive agreement for multi-platform rights to the UEFA Champions' League (UCL) for Malaysia and Brunei, and English language pay TV rights for the UCL and UEFA Europa League for China.

The agreement is for the 2009/2010 to 2011/2012 seasons.

ESS in Malaysia and Brunei will deliver up to a total of 146 games, including the right to air UEFA-produced magazine shows and allow ESS produce its own in-house highlight shows. For China, ESS will have rights to broadcast over 350 games for the UCL and the UEFA Europa League.

"We share a fruitful relationship with UEFA and we are delighted to continue our partnership with them. This agreement is a testament to our commitment of building the UEFA Champions League by presenting it in the most innovative and entertaining manner to millions of fans in China, Malaysia and Brunei," Manu Sawhney, managing director for ESS, said.