NHL looks to build hockey's presence in China with 5-year Tencent deal
The National Hockey League (NHL) and China’s Tencent have agreed the terms of a five-year strategic partnership that will see the internet giant carry selected games on its video sites and mobile platforms.
NHL vice president Bill Daly claimed the deal would help the development of the sport in the world’s largest economy.
“Rome was not built in a day, and in the short term, we need to build hockey’s presence here,” remarked Daly.
In addition to coverage the two parties will also collaborate on regional sponsorship, the distribution of online merchandise and the development of an ice hockey mobile game.
The financial terms of the agreement have not been made public. Last year the NHL joined forces with Yahoo to live stream its games in a bid to reach a millennial audience.