StarHub to sponsor LionsXII

StarHub to sponsor LionsXII; all matches free on SuperSports Arena

All LionsXII matches will be shown free to StarHub TV subscribers on SuperSports Arena, said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.

Jalan Besar Stadium, Thursday, January 5, 2012 — The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced StarHub as the principal sponsor of the Singapore LionsXII and the cable television operator will have its branding on the LionsXII jersey.

StarHub declined to comment on the dollar value of the four-year deal but the sponsorship involves a mix of both cash and production costs.

StarHub will broadcast all LionsXII matches free on SuperSports Arena (Channels 112 and 201) for existing StarHub TV and mobile subscribers. The matches will also be available on Internet TV (tv.starhub.com).

There will be a 15-minute pre-match show to accompany the screening of each match and StarHub will also package weekly highlights with footage from the Malaysian broadcaster, Astro.

“As a passionate home-grown supporter of local football, we want to cement our commitment to the cause with this broadcast and sponsorship deal,” said Mr Tan Tong Hai, the chief operating officer of StarHub.

“In the past 18 months, we have brought the Youth Olympic Games, the Lion City Cup and the S.League into the living rooms of households all over Singapore. With our LionsXII coverage bringing the fans as close to the action as possible, fans will be able to kick every ball and make every tackle with the team,” added Mr Tan.

Only a limited number of games are available on free-to-air television. MediaCorp Channel 5 will screen only one Malaysian Super League match per month for a total of seven. During the Malaysia Cup, assuming that the LionsXII make it all the way to the final, Ch 5 will show an additional four matches — the opening match, the two semi-finals, and the final. Non-StarHub subscribers will need to tune their television sets to receive the signal*.

StarHub will also work with the People’s Association (PA) to hold screenings at the PA Lawn opposite Jalan Besar Stadium. For the LionsXII’s opening match against Kelantan on January 10th, there will be live community screenings at the PA Lawn and two shopping malls — Nex and Lot One.

Said Mr Zainudin Nordin, the FAS president: “The FAS evaluation committee decided that StarHub’s proposal best met our objectives which include extending the reach of the matches to a wider heartland audience through public screenings, showcasing the matches on various platforms such as television, mobile and online, as well as an innovative promotional strategy. We look forward to partnering with StarHub in using football as a key platform to strengthen social and community bonding in Singapore.”

The FAS also unveiled the new home and away kit for the LionsXII at the same press conference.

~News courtesy of Redsports.sg~