TLN Media Group has acquired the Canadian rights for Serie A, Italy’s top division of soccer. The multi-year deal with IMG Media, the league’s international rights-holder, covers the 2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons.
Under the agreement, TLN will be able to offer full coverage of the 380-match season, as well as weekly preview and review shows, highlights and goals-of-the-week shows.
Aldo Di Felice, TLN Media Group president, said the move positions the channel to continue its tradition of broadcasting the biggest soccer tournaments and leagues from around the world.
“We are excited about the wide multicultural appeal of the league. With over half of the players coming from outside Italy, Serie A is a showcase of the world’s top talent,” said Di Felice.
Over half of the players in Serie A are non-Italians, notably from Latin America, but also from across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
TLN plans to broadcast games in multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish and French. “Off the field” programming will showcase the broader Italian lifestyle, exploring Italy’s cities, culture, food, music, celebrity personalities and gossip.
The season will kick off Aug. 18 with live coverage of Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut match with his new club Juventus as they face Chievo Verona.