Qatari-based international sports network BeIN Sports has announced a partnership with global over-the-top streaming service Prime Video that sees it become available as a channel on the Prime Video service in Australia.
The channel, which starts as a AU$14.99 ($9.39) per month add-on to the standard Prime Video package, is the first standalone live sports channel available on Prime Video in Australia and is already live on the service.
The package channel will showcase BeIN’s full complement of media rights holdings in the country. Including soccer’s Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, and Scottish Premiership competitions, among others.
Mike Kerr, BeIN Asia Pacific managing director stated: “This partnership with Prime Video Channels marks a significant milestone for beIN SPORTS as we continue to enhance the sports viewing experience for fans in Australia.”
“Through this exciting alliance, we are not only expanding our reach but also ensuring that the sports community have unparalleled access to our premium and exclusive sports coverage,” he continued.
The announcement comes on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international soccer competition, which BeIN holds the rights to in Australia.
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By GlobalDataIn 2023, BeIN was involved in a two-month-long dispute with AFCON organizers the Confederation of African Football (CAF), after CAF terminated its broadcast contract with BeIN in September.
In November, CAF announced that it is recommitting to its partnership with BeIN, “after the parties reached an agreement on the matters that were in dispute,” however for a while, it seemed as if one of the widest-ranging media deals for the competition was under threat.
The initial deal, struck in 2017, is worth in the region of $415 million and covers over 40 countries (including Australia).
The main issues behind the original cancelation of the contract, Sportcal (GlobalData) was told, related to BeIN having repeatedly over the past two years requested an adjustment in terms of the fees owed to CAF, naming several matters which during that time have affected the value of the rights.
BeIN has also been unhappy with what it sees as a serious failure by CAF to properly tackle digital piracy, and the illegal streaming of BeIN’s content, across Africa.