MLS in 'eight-figure deal' for foreign TV rights

Major League Soccer has sold the international TV rights to its games to sports media company MP & Silva through 2013. Sports Business Journal reports that the deal involves "an eight-figure agreement."

The TV deal is part of "a long-term, broad partnership with" MLS and includes "the exclusive rights to all MLS games, tournaments and events, including MLS regular season, MLS Cup Playoffs, MLS Cup, and the international competitions SuperLiga, InterLiga and Pan-Pacific Championship."

Doug Quinn, the president of MLS' marketing arm Soccer United Marketing, called it "an important partnership" for the league and its clubs, and said MLS would take advantage of MP & Silva's "international expertise in operating and commercializing soccer leagues and clubs." Through the deal, MLS aimed "to expand our global distribution and penetrate strategic markets. Furthermore, our increased television rights revenues will help to ensure long-term growth for MLS."

MP & Silva's President Riccardo Silva said his comapmy would "aim to strengthen the league's international profile, popularity and visibility, and help MLS extend its reach to new emerging markets, including Asia-Pacific." -- Soccer America