Tencent is to screen the remaining 372 Premier League matches in the 2020/21 season in the Chinese market.
As of Saturday 19 September, supporters in China will be able to watch coverage players via Tencent’s digital platforms, including WeChat, QQ.com, Tencent Video, Penguin Live App, Tencent News App, Tencent Sports App and Kan Dian.
It follows the termination of a previous contract with PPTV after the broadcaster withheld the latest £160 million instalment in March. In addition to live match coverage, in a global first Premier League clubs will be able to share short clips during matches to engage directly with their supporters in China and enhance the Tencent partnership.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “We are excited to have agreed this partnership with Tencent ensuring our supporters in China can enjoy following Premier League action throughout this season. We and our clubs have an extremely passionate fanbase in China and are looking forward to working with the team at Tencent to engage with fans in new ways over the coming season.”
Tencent Sports General Manager Ewell Zhao added: “The Premier League is one of the world’s most popular sports competitions and has many fans in China In collaboration with the Premier League, Tencent Sports hopes to leverage its platforms and technology to bring the drama of Premier League matches to fans and share with them the passion and excitement of football.”
Premier League says it will continue to explore opportunities for free-to-air broadcast coverage in China for the 2020/21 season.
