The broadcaster plans to invest approximately Sh148 million in the first season, with a 10% annual increment
Tanzanian pay tv station Azam TV has inked a deal with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) handing it exclusive pay TV rights for the 2023/24 FKF Premier League (FKF-PL) season.
The station’s chief operations officer Yahya Mohammed, said the company will air four matches in every round on its “pay TV and digital” platforms.
“Through this partnership, we are not just broadcasting matches, we are sharing stories of dedication and belief in Kenyan football,” Mohammed said.
FKF President, Nick Mwendwa on his part, expressed gratitude to the company for dedicating resources towards the development of the league and Kenyan football at large.
“As a federation, we remain committed to the wholesome development of Kenyan football and as such, we shall continue seeking partnerships with like-minded companies with a view of increasing the commercial value of the league,” Mwendwa said.
As part of the deal seven-year deal, which is worth around Sh148 million ($1 million) per year, a dedicated 24/7 Kenyan football channel will be available on Azam, known as Azam Sports Channel 4 HD. Besides live matches, the channel is also expected to air Kenyan football content interviews with players and coaches, features, news, talk shows and magazine shows.
Fans looking to enjoy the content will need to purchase Azam decoders or download the Azam Max app. Azam Media is looking towards the move to help it grow its customer base in Kenya, and has begun heavily promoting the expected league broadcast urging Kenyans to get their decoders.
It has unveiled packages for consumers, from as low as Sh300 a month for a bouquet of 80 channels.
For new customers, it will cost Sh3900 to get the full kit or Sh2400 for the decoder only. All new customers get a month’s free viewing of the premium Play package.
Among those present for the launch of the deal were FKF President Nick Mwendwa and Azam Media Chief Operating Officer Mohammed Yahya.
The exact figure to be received by individual clubs is yet to be confirmed as the FKF looks to separately sell Free-to-Air (FTA) rights for the league broadcast. State-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) is believed to be locked in negotiations with FKF for the FTA rights, with the broadcaster in pole position.
Mwendwa stated at the Azam unveiling ceremony that the amount received by clubs would be “the highest ever”. Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are expected to get a higher payout from the Azam deal.
The league is also hoping to unveil a title sponsor in coming weeks. Betting firm 1xBet has been among firms who have signalled potential interest in sponsoring the league. BT
