SportBusiness.com

Arsenal and Setanta Sports to launch Arsenal TV channel

Sports broadcaster Setanta has signed a six-figure deal with Arsenal Football Club to be the exclusive broadcaster of the new Arsenal TV channel.

The Arsenal TV channel is planned to launch in December 2007 and will become the tenth channel available on Setanta’s satellite sports package.

The channel will be included in the Setanta Sports pack at no extra charge. On cable, the channel will be available as part of the Setanta Sports pack via Virgin Media.

The deal includes sponsorship and marketing rights, access to players, intellectual property including trademarks as well as in-stadia media.

“Arsenal TV will provide the Club with a powerful way of communicating with our fans,” said Keith Edelman, managing director, Arsenal FC. “For the first time supporters will really be able to see behind the scenes at Emirates Stadium. We are aiming to provide quality programming that is not only informative but also reflects the exciting brand of football we play on the pitch.”

Under the terms of the deal, Setanta will receive all subscription revenues but Arsenal will retain all gross receipts from any sponsorship and advertising on the Arsenal channel.

Input Media has been appointed by Arsenal to produce the content for the new channel.