Sports betting and content hub IMG ARENA has signed a long-term live streaming rights deal with the World Snooker Tour (WST).

The partnership will see the existing deal, which covers live streaming rights for the betting industry, extended to cover a greater number of matches and tournaments. 

Despite the challenges of 2020, WST has maintained its momentum with 20 events staged throughout the year, and tournaments featuring up to 128 players followed by a loyal and rapidly growing global audience. 

Discussing the partnership WST Chairman, Barry Hearn, said:

“We are delighted to extend our agreement with IMG ARENA. This is a perfect match between two businesses with a shared vision for the future for our sport and enthusiasm for creating new opportunities. 

“We have worked with IMG for many years on various aspects of our sport and we admire their professionalism and intelligence. Snooker continues to develop as an outstanding property and we have long-term ambitions for further international expansion.”

While Executive Vice President and Managing Director of IMG ARENA, Freddie Longe, added:

“This significant extension and expansion of our relationship with the World Snooker Tour demonstrates the commercial confidence on both sides and establishes a renewed platform for even greater success.

“With its global footprint and loyal fanbase, snooker is an essential part of the sports and sports betting eco-systems. We are delighted to increase the volume and quality of the content we offer to our sportsbook customers, which this deal makes possible.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Though it’s been a staple sport in some countries for many years, the global popularity of snooker is now steadily growing around the world, and it’s attracting a younger audience, so this is another solid rights deal for IMG ARENA as it looks to cement its lead in the sports betting streaming market. 

‘AYO.NEWS says’ features the opinion of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pentagon Digital Limited or its affiliates or associates. 

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