Digital streaming service FITE has secured the rights to broadcast the AFC Champions League across Europe.
Asia’s most prestigious club football competition will be showcased by FITE in the UK and Ireland, as well as France, Belgium and the Netherlands as the American streaming platform looks to expand its range of available sports.
The deal comes just in time as the group stages of the 2023-24 AFC Champions League campaign commenced on 18 September, and will also cover knockout matches and the eventual final.
Adam Bigwood, Vice President of Subscriptions at FITE, stated: “We are delighted to bring the AFC Champions League to our FITE+ subscribers in these territories.
“This partnership not only bolsters our rapidly expanding sports content library but also underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch sports entertainment to our fans.”
The AFC Champions League is bound to grab Europe’s attention following the recent summer spending spree of Saudi Pro League teams.
Competing Saudi Pro League teams in the competition, Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr and Al-Fayha, spent a considerable amount of money to attract the likes of European talent such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kanté, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo made the move to Al-Nassr last January.
Whilst FITE has predominantly broadcasted combat sports on its platform, it has recently expanded its portfolio of content, including delayed tapes of the 2021 Rugby World Cup in the US and other territories.
This is also not the streaming services first branch-out into football either, as FITE showcases 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for competing CONMEBOL teams, whilst holding an interest in acquiring rights for Spain’s La Liga.
