Willow TV Exclusively Brings the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 to US Viewers in High-Definition

Strategic Insights -

Willow TV, a leading broadcaster of cricket in North America, has announced plans to broadcast the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 in the United States in high-definition, marking the first time the event will be available in HD in the US. The tournament will be broadcast live on DISH Network and DIRECTV, and will also be available through Internet streaming on the Willow TV website. The ICC Cricket World Cup is considered the premier event in the cricket world, and Willow TV has acquired the exclusive rights to distribute the event on television, broadband, and the Internet in the US through an agreement with ESPN STAR Sports (ESS), the ICC's global broadcast and production partner.

Key Takeaways:

  • Willow TV has acquired the exclusive rights to distribute the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 on television, broadband, and the Internet in the US through an agreement with ESPN STAR Sports (ESS).
  • The tournament will be broadcast live and in high-definition on DISH Network and DIRECTV.
  • The event will also be available through Internet streaming on the Willow TV website and across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and Internet-ready televisions.
  • The first match takes place on February 19 between co-hosts India and Bangladesh, culminating with the Final in Mumbai on April 2.
  • Willow TV's CEO, Vijay Srinivasan, noted that the company has made a range of viewing options available for the event, including support for live streaming across a variety of devices.
  • ESPN STAR Sports Managing Director, Manu Sawhney, stated that the company is pleased to see the increasing popularity of the game in the US and is committed to bringing the excitement and passion of the tournament to fans through its signature style production and presentation.
  • The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 marks the first time the premier cricket event will be available in high-definition in the US.
  • Viewers can subscribe to the pay-per-view package directly from DISH Network and DIRECTV, or online via the Willow TV website.

Statistics:

  • The ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 will be available in high-definition for the first time in the US.
  • The tournament will feature 14 matches, including the Final, which takes place on April 2 in Mumbai.
  • The first match takes place on February 19 between co-hosts India and Bangladesh.
  • Willow TV owns the Willow Cricket channel, America's first 24x7 cricket channel, available on DISH Network and DIRECTV, and online at http://www.Willow.tv.

Sources:

  • Willow TV
  • PRNewswire-AsiaNet (February 15, 2011)
  • ESPN STAR Sports (ESS)
  • ICC (International Cricket Council)
  • DISH Network
  • DIRECTV