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PORT ADELAIDE has welcomed an AFL announcement that three broadcasters will televise Sunday's historic game against the Gold Coast Suns across China.
CCTV, the Shanghai Media Group and Guangzhou TV will bring the game to the Chinese population which, in combination with Australian broadcasts on Fox and Seven and international showings on the Watch AFL app, gives the game the potential to be the most-watched in the history of Australian Football.
Port Adelaide’s China Engagement Strategy worked with CCTV – China’s national broadcaster – and the AFL to beam matches across the world’s most populous nation in 2016.
Port Adelaide chief executive welcomed the announcement as a natural extension of the club's China Engagement Strategy.
“This is a very welcome announcement and one that will put Port Adelaide firmly on the world stage,” Mr Thomas told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Since we engaged CCTV with the AFL last year, we have seen some fantastic viewing numbers and Sunday’s game certainly has the potential to be the most-watched game in the history of the code.
“We thank the AFL for their pivotal role in making this deal happen, and of course CCTV, Shanghai Media and Guangzhou TV for committing to bringing this game to the Chinese population.”
AFL Chief Financial Officer and GM of Clubs Travis Auld announced the deal at a press conference in Shanghai on Friday morning.
“This Sunday’s game will be broadcast live into China through CCTV, through Shanghai TV and through Guangzhou TV,” Mr Auld said.
“It’s a significant outcome for the code, a significant outcome for the two clubs involved and a significant outcome for the broader aspirations of the Port Adelaide Football Club in this market.
The @AFL's Travis Auld announces the significant TV deal that will see our game beamed across China on Sunday. #aflsunspower #shanghai2017 pic.twitter.com/2GXvn4KNA9
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) May 12, 2017
“Combined with our traditional broadcast into Australia … this gives this game the potential to be the most-watched game in the history of our code.
“That’s another first, and something we’re very proud of … and very excited about.”
Port Adelaide takes on Gold Coast at Jiangwan Stadium at 1.15pm CZT/2.45pm ACST on Sunday 14 May.
