ESPN has reached a content exchange agreement with Willow TV for exclusive live digital coverage of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket on ESPN3 in the US. The deal – which granted Willow TV telecast rights to the India vs. New Zealand series – will give fans in the US access to select matches throughout the 2014 season. Additionally, the agreement includes digital video highlights rights in the US on ESPNcricinfo platforms.
“ESPN3 continues to establish itself as a leading destination for live coverage of major cricket events in the US, and we plan to build our momentum at the conclusion of the ICC World Twenty20 Championship with the start of the IPL’s seventh season,” said Jason Bernstein, senior director of programming and acquisitions, ESPN. “The IPL features some of the best cricketers – and some of the most passionate fans – in the world, and we look forward to delivering these events nationally to a US audience.”
ESPN3 will carry both IPL semifinal matches and seven “Game of the Week” matches. Additionally, the deal includes unlimited highlights rights to those nine matches plus select highlights rights to all other IPL matches.
The seventh season of the IPL begins on Wednesday, April 16 and concludes with the final on Sunday, June 1. In-depth pre- and post-coverage following the IPL throughout the season will be available via ESPNcricinfo online and on mobile platforms.
