LIVENow, the new streaming platform of Aser Ventures, the global investment vehicle headed up by Andrea Radrizzani, has today acquired rights to the upcoming Lanka Premier League, Sri Lanka's new domestic Twenty20 competition, in 111 territories. 

The platform has snapped up rights in many key markets across Europe, North, South and Central America, south and sub-Saharan Africa, south east Asia and Australia.

All the matches will be available on LIVENow in major media markets, if not major cricket markets, such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Russia, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Japan.

The deal was brokered by Innovative Production Group, the Dubai-based sports broadcasting company which organises and manages the tournament’s commercial rights on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket after it struck a five-year deal with the body in August.

It follows on from deals earlier this week with Sony Pictures Networks covering India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives, Sky in the UK, Independent Television Network in Sri Lanka, and Geo and PTV in Pakistan.

Marc Watson, director at LIVENow, said: “T20 is an exciting format, cricket fans love it and it’s really accessible to sporting enthusiasts looking to discover something new.  Our sports schedule is designed to engage audiences around the world, Lanka Premier League perfectly complements the variety and thrill of our programming.”

Anil Mohan, chief executive of IPG added: “The potential to harness LIVENow’s global footprint to reach every fan wanting to watch the inaugural Lanka Premier League 2020 was an attractive proposition for us and we are delighted to secure coverage across five continents in these unprecedented times.”

IPG holds the rights to franchises, broadcasting, ground sponsorship and AV production with SLC only responsible for venues and umpires.

The LPL features five teams - Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Dambulla and Jaffna – which will compete in 23 matches over a 15-day period.

Sri Lanka’s first domestic T20 franchise league of note, which was originally mooted to begin in late-August, is set to be held entirely in Hambantota and begins tomorrow, culminating on 16 December. 

This deal adds to LIVENow’s cricket portfolio after it struck a deal with Cricket Australia for rights to national and domestic matches in 70 countries across mainland Europe and Asia earlier this month.

LIVENow was officially launched in August, and features live sport, music and fitness events, plus industry conferences.

Sportcal