A streaming network, SPOTV Now has obtained media rights to the Scottish Premiership in Japan, commencing with the upcoming 2022-23 season.
SPOTV’s contract includes rights to one live match per round, for a total of 38 games per season. Its coverage will concentrate more on Glasgow Celtic matches. The squad includes four Japanese players signed by manager Ange Postecoglou, who joined the club from J.League team Yokohama F Marinos last year.
The agreement was negotiated by the Infront agency, which has the right to distribute Scottish Premiership international for the five-year period from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
Prior to its recent rebranding, SPOTV Now was recognised in Japan as Spozone. Eclat Media Group, a Korean company that also functions SPOTV platforms in its domestic market of South Korea and other North and Southeast Asian territories, owns the service. SPOTV Now is also the brand name for SPOTV’s streaming platforms in other countries.
SPOTV purchased Premier League rights in Japan for the 2022-23 to 2024-25 cycle earlier this year, marking a significant step up in the company’s endeavours. It is by far the company’s largest rights procurement in Japan. The broadcasting company is said to have discussed sublicensing some Premier League rights to other broadcasters, but still, no deal for the new season has been announced.
Furthermore, even Major League Baseball (MLB) rights have traditionally been SPOTV’s most valuable asset in Japan. It also has privileges to properties such as the Women’s Japan Basketball League, the F.League for women’s futsal, the Hockey Japan League for field hockey, and the 3 basketball league 33. Premier EXE.