Member Article

Arsenal agree partnership with Chinese broadcaster

Arsenal have announced an exclusive agreement with Chinese broadcaster CCTV in a deal that is the first of its kind in the Premier League.

The co-operation agreement will see the London club provide exclusive content, including interviews with Arsenal players and videos, for Total Soccer, the most popular football show on China’s CCTV Sports channel.

With a large global following, it is the second international deal that the club have agreed this year following the announcement of a commercial partnership with Indonesian-based Bank Muamalat last week.

Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, Vinai Venkatesham, said: “Total Soccer plays an important role in the rapid growth of interest in football, the Premier League and Arsenal.

“We have many passionate Arsenal fans in China and this exclusive arrangement by a Premier League club will bring them closer to Arsenal and help attract many more fans to follow us.”

Jiang Heping, Total Sports’ Programme Head, was similarly positive when he added: “The EPL is the most popular football league in China and President Xi has mentioned during his state visit in the UK that Arsenal has a massive following in China.

“I believe this agreement will help the development of football in China as it will provide a strong addition to our coverage.”