SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
IMG ARENA has added an extension to its live streaming rights agreement with the World Snooker Tour (WST).
The extended deal builds on the existing live streaming agreement, now covering a greater number of matches and tournaments on the Tour.
Freddie Longe, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of IMG ARENA, said: “This significant extension and expansion of our relationship with the World Snooker Tour demonstrates the commercial confidence on both sides and establishes a renewed platform for even greater success.
“With its global footprint and loyal fanbase, snooker is an essential part of the sports and sports betting ecosystems. We are delighted to increase the volume and quality of the content we offer to our sportsbook customers, which this deal makes possible.”
Snooker was one of the first sports to resume following the first lockdown in the UK, making its return on 1 June 2020.
Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic, WST has maintained its momentum with 20 events staged throughout the year. Tournaments have up to 128 players competing with the action closely followed by the sport’s ‘loyal audience’.
WST Chairman Barry Hearn added: “We are delighted to extend our agreement with IMG ARENA. This is a perfect match between two businesses with a shared vision for the future for our sport and enthusiasm for creating new opportunities.
“We have worked with MG for many years on various aspects of our sport and we admire their professionalism and intelligence. Snooker continues to develop as an outstanding property and we have long-term ambitions for further international expansion.”
Earlier this year, IMG ARENA boosted its basketball offering after securing the worldwide betting rights for the Lega Società di Pallacanestro Serie A (LBA).
