Paramount Global has renewed its U.S. rights deal for UEFA soccer , agreeing to pay $1.5 billion for a six-year extension through 2030. When it was known as ViacomCBS, the company emerged as the surprise winner of a previous auction for UEFA rights, securing a deal through 2024. The matches proved a popular draw on CBS All Access, which was expanded and rebranded as Paramount+ in 2021. Select games have also aired on Paramount networks, including CBS and CBS Sports Network. The new deal, which runs through 2030 and also includes Europa League and the Europa Conference League, is a significant step up, the latest sports rights deal to spike due to surging demand. According to a person familiar with the terms, its annual value rises to $250 million from the current level of $100 million. Amazon was among the other companies reportedly pursuing UEFA. “UEFA has been a key driver for Paramount+ since our launch and we are thrilled to extend this successful partnership … [Read more...] about Paramount Locks Up UEFA Soccer Through 2030 In U.S. With 6-Year, $1.5B Extension
Multi year overall deal
Cineworld Preparing To File For Bankruptcy
Cineworld , the globe’s second-largest exhibitor and owner of Regal Cinemas, is preparing to file for bankruptcy within weeks, according to reports in The Wall Street Journal. The London-based company has engaged lawyers from Kirkland & Ellis LLP and consultants from AlixPartners to advise on the bankruptcy process, the publication reported. Cineworld, which operates 751 sites in 10 countries including the boutique Picturehouse chain in the UK, is expected to file a Chapter 11 petition in the United States and is considering filing for insolvency in the UK, the report said. Cineworld’s share price has been collapsing over recent days, falling from nearly £21 on Wednesday to £3.50 just minutes ago. The company did not immediately respond to Deadline’s request for comment. The news comes days after the company said it was in “active discussions with various stakeholders and is evaluating various strategic options to both obtain additional liquidity and potentially … [Read more...] about Cineworld Preparing To File For Bankruptcy
Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Opens UK Unscripted Division With Ex-Channel 4 Exec Sarah Lazenby At The Helm
Reese Witherspoon ’s Hello Sunshine is headed for Britain. The Candle Media-owned production company is launching an unscripted division in the UK, and is already developing its first production with terrestrial network Channel 4 . Hello Sunshine Unscripted UK will be led by Sarah Lazenby, a former Channel 4 Head of Features and Formats who left the broadcaster last year. While at the British public service broadcaster, she oversaw major titles such as The Great British Bake Off , Jamie Oliver’s programs and formats such as Flirty Dancing and Netflix co-pro Crazy Delicious . More recently she produced HBO’s Emmy-nominated retrospective special Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts. Lazenby will be Executive Vice President, Unscripted UK and report to Hello Sunshine’s Head of Unscripted Sara Rea. Hello Sunshine last year acquired Rea’s company SKR Productions, which was behind Prime Video’s Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn series Making the Cut. Details … [Read more...] about Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Opens UK Unscripted Division With Ex-Channel 4 Exec Sarah Lazenby At The Helm