BeIN Media Group will continue to serve as the Premier League’s official broadcast partner in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as part of a renewed media rights agreement.
The new cycle runs from 2022 until 2025 and is reportedly worth a fee of around $500 million – the same figure that broadcaster pays for its current deal.
The Qatar-based independent entertainment network, which has been associated with the English top flight since 2013, will carry 380 live matches across 24 countries and its roster of sports 19 channels.
“We are delighted to renew our long-established and trusted partnership with the Premier League through to 2025,” said Chairman of beIN Media Group, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
“This deal demonstrates that rights-holders who do the most to protect their intellectual property also do the most to protect the value of their media rights.
“BeIN is proud to be the Premier League’s official partner across all 24 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, and we look forward to inspiring and exciting the millions of Premier League fans in the region both in the lead-up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and for many years beyond.”
Broadcasts will be available in both the English and Arabic language, despite the pay-television operator having been barred from broadcasting in Saudi Arabia, meaning there is now no legitimate means of watching the Premier League in the region.
The renewed rights deal was approved by 19 votes to one, with Newcastle United the only club to vote against the new cycle, according to the New York Times.
In July, the Magpies saw a proposed takeover, backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), fall through over piracy concerns. The North East club has since announced that it will take legal action against the Premier League.
The Premier League’s Chief Executive, Richard Masters, stated: “We are pleased to agree a significant deal with beIN Sports, who are a longstanding and valued partner. They have an outstanding track record of delivering top-quality Premier League content across all its platforms.
“Our clubs have millions of passionate fans across the Middle East and North Africa and beIN has played an important part in promoting the Premier League and helping engage those fans with our clubs and players.
“Dedicated coverage of every match in the Premier League, as well as comprehensive support programming and digital content, has helped to further grow interest in our clubs and we look forward to continuing our fantastic partnership with beIN.”
