Dentsu Secures FIFA Broadcasting Rights for Asia

Strategic Insights -

Japan's largest advertising agency, Dentsu Inc., has obtained the rights to sell the broadcasting rights for all soccer games organized by FIFA between 2007 and 2014 in a wide area of eastern and southern Asian countries. This deal marks the first time a Japanese company has secured the rights to sell World Cup finals-related broadcasting rights in such a large area. The contract includes the rights to air the 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals, which will be held in South Africa and a country yet to be selected, respectively. Dentsu is planning to expand its sports-related business activities in Asia through its envisioned venture with Swiss firm Infront Sports & Media AG.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dentsu has acquired the rights to sell FIFA soccer games broadcasting rights in Asia between 2007 and 2014, covering China, South Korea, India, and other eastern and southern Asian countries.
  • The contract includes the rights to air the 2010 and 2014 World Cup finals, with the 2014 final to be held in a country yet to be selected.
  • This marks the first time a Japanese company has obtained the rights to sell World Cup finals-related broadcasting rights in such a large area.
  • The Dentsu-Infront venture will market the broadcasting rights to various media firms, including television networks, radio stations, and internet-based distributors.
  • The cost of the acquisition is estimated to be several tens of billions of yen.
  • Dentsu is planning to expand its sports-related business activities in Asia through this venture.
  • Earlier, Dentsu obtained the rights to sell in Japan the broadcasting rights for all soccer games to be organized by FIFA between 2007 and 2014.

Statistics:

  • 2007-2014: The period for which Dentsu has acquired the rights to sell FIFA soccer games broadcasting in Asia.
  • 10 billion+: The estimated value of the acquisition.
  • 2010: The year in which the World Cup finals will be held in South Africa.
  • 2014: The year in which the World Cup finals will be held in a country yet to be selected.
  • 4324: Dentsu's ticker symbol.

Sources:

  • "Dentsu Obtains Asia Broadcasting Rights for FIFA Soccer Games" by Kyodo News International, March 18, 2006 (URL not provided)
  • Dentsu, Inc. press release (no specific URL provided)