beIN SPORTS Upfront 2016-2017

beIN SPORTS announced upcoming programming plans, including enhanced broadcast strategies for both channels, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS en Español, during its 2016 Upfront event. The multiplatform sports media company will expand its live programming and studio show offering and diversify its English-channel programming, further cultivating interactivity of fan favorites, LaLiga soccer and MotoGP™, among others.

“beIN SPORTS remains steadfast in reaching passionate sports fans and prioritizes delivering top, original live content in their language of choice,” said Yousef Al Obaidly, Deputy CEO beIN Media Group. “This year, we are expanding our multiplatform offerings and rethinking our English programming strategy to more fervently reflect our commitment to North American sports fans.”

Staying true to its dedication of providing a dynamic sports portfolio for diehard fans and expanding its North American programming, beIN SPORTS announced the acquisition of the following key properties:

·         Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) – To further strengthen our promise to deliver the best Tennis content to our audiences, beIN SPORTS announced today it will be the official broadcaster of the WTA and the destination to see all the WTA action played in 2017-2021.

·         MotoAmerica – After striking a recent multi-year deal with MotoAmerica, the professional motorcycle racing series that aims to reinvigorate motorcycle racing in North America, exclusive broadcasts are available on beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS CONNECT in addition to MotoGP™ and the renewal of WorldSBK, positioning the network as the undisputed home of motorcycle racing.

·         North American Soccer League (NASL) – Through its recent launch of NASL coverage and original programming, the network welcomed its first domestic soccer property, with plans to continue, following a long term acquisition deal.

·         Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – Starting this summer for the first time in the network’s history, widely-popular MMA programming will be available as part of beIN SPORTS’ English-language schedule, suiting fight enthusiasts based in the U.S. and Canada.

Additional first-time-ever properties of U.S. College Football and Basketball were also announced helping to amplify beIN SPORTS’ domestic offerings. Both will be available on the English Channel and streamed live on beIN SPORTS CONNECT starting this Fall. Moreover, to align with our college sports programming, the network will be launching a Radio/TV show that will embrace the social nature of sports and engage fans thru Social TV.

Rounding out this year’s widespread programming announcements, beIN SPORTS’ unrivaled soccer coverage will continue to be offered exclusively to viewers following multi-year agreements to air CONMEBOL and CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, LaLiga, Serie A and Ligue 1. In complement to past live sporting events, the network’s successful studio shows will also undergo enhancements with the expansion of “The Locker Room,” now set to air five days a week as opposed to two starting in the fall.