Disney, the US media giant, has extended and expanded its distribution agreement with Mediacom Communications, the cable television provider, in a multi-year deal.
The long-term distribution deal means Disney’s line-up of sports, entertainment and news content will continue to be made available to Mediacom customers through the 20-plus local US cable networks the provider operates.
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The agreement means Disney-owned sports networks, including broadcasting heavyweight ESPN and US collegiate sports’ Atlantic Coast Conference Network, will continue to be offered and distributed to Mediacom’s subscriber base.
The deal, the two companies have said, reaffirms “the mutual commitment to enhance the customer experience by delivering video content to viewers across multiple platforms.”
Sean Breen, executive vice-president of platform distribution at Disney Media and Entertainment, said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to extend our longstanding relationship with Mediacom and continue to supply Disney’s best-in-class programming from our suite of networks.”
Italia Commisso Weinand, executive vice-president of programming and human resources at Mediacom, added: “We are proud and honoured to continue our relationship with the Disney organisation that shares our same commitment to quality and innovation.”
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By GlobalDataMediacom is one of the five largest US-based cable network providers, offering coverage in 22 states, and its sports coverage already includes the following networks: NFL Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and the national feed of the YES Network.
Meanwhile, Disney Brasil has secured broadcast rights to the next three seasons of Italian soccer’s Coppa Italia and Supercoppa cup competitions, according to Brazilian media.
The Coppa Italia – a season-long affair – and the Supercoppa – a one-off match now played overseas each January – will be shown across the various Disney-owned Brazilian sports networks, including ESPN, Fox Sports Brasil, as well as the Star+ streaming service.
In April this year, boutique rights agency S&T Sports Group acquired distribution rights in Canada, Mexico, Central and South America – including Brazil – to both the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa, the annual match between the winners of the league and cup, for the 2021-22 to 2023-24 cycle.
No Brazilian broadcaster has yet snapped up rights to Italy’s top-tier Serie A league for the 2021-22 season, although last month Disney was reported to be in negotiations to also add that property to its stable.
Star+ arrives in Latin America at the end of August and will offer a variety of content, including sport, documentaries, films and other entertainment.
In terms of soccer, the new platform will include the top leagues from England, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands, plus Europe’s Uefa Europa League and South America’s Copa Libertadores, complemented by other sports such as ice hockey’s NHL, baseball’s MLB, rugby, tennis, golf, cycling, boxing and mixed martial arts.
