Gian Chansrichawla
Football Tribe Thailand
London-based multinational online sports broadcasting giants DAZN have tabled a bid for exclusive broadcasting rights for the Thai League for a reported 2 billion Thai Baht ($66 million) per season, according to SMM Sport.
This bid comes as the Thai League’s current deal with local broadcasting powerhouse True Visions is set to expire in 2020. The current contract is worth about 4.2 billion baht over four years, just over half of DAZN’s reported bid.
True’s current deal covers Thai Leagues 1 and 2, as well as the two domestic cups and select games of the Thai National Team. DAZN will look to expand on that, adding Thai Leagues 3 and 4, the Women’s National Team and the Futsal Team.
It remains to be seen whether or not the deal will be accepted by the league operators, or whether it will spark a bidding war for the rights through to 2028. Either way, DAZN’s interest in the league provides a large influx of resources which can towards the nation’s footballing development.