Kenyan TV channels bid Sh1 million to air Mashemeji derby
Two Kenyan TV stations have expressed interest in securing exclusive broadcast rights for the forthcoming SportPesa Premier League match between bitter rivals AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.
The match is slated for the Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County on May 7, although Leopards, which is the home team, has formally petitioned to have it moved to the Nyayo Stadium at such a time when the venue will be available so as to maximise on gate collections.
Nyayo Stadium is currently undergoing renovations in readiness for next year’s Africa Nations Championship (Chan).
Sources privy to the ongoing negotiations have told Nairobi News one of the interested stations – which is among the top three in terms of viewership – has bid Sh1 million in exchange for the exclusive rights of this game, which is commonly referred to as the “Mashemeji Derby”.
“The expression of interest is formal. Negotiations are ongoing and Leopards are really interested in the offer. They feel the money would help offset some of the financial challenges the club is currently facing,” a source informed Nairobi News.
SUPERSPORT’S EXIT
The final decision on whether the grants will be awarded or not, will, however, be arrived at in consultations with Football Kenya Federation, who are the sole rights holders of all football activities in Kenya.
This development arrives barely a month since Pay TV channel SuperSport pulled out of a multi-million shillings broadcast deal with the Kenyan Premier League Limited.
The move saw Kenya’s top flight league switched off from broadcast with each of the 18 clubs losing atleast Sh400,000 in monthly revenues.
It also comes a week after FKF president Nick Mwendwa announced the body’s intention of producing a number of SportPesa Premier League matches which fans will be able to stream live via mobile phones as well as availing them on Pay-TV and free to air stations.
We will produce these matches ourselves. Lets take control of the content and then go Mobile, FTA and PayTV. Exciting times ahead.
— Nick Mwendwa (@Nmwendwa) April 24, 2017
We have to produce all the matches..9 every weekend! Package highlights, preview etc. From one source. Content control !!!
— Nick Mwendwa (@Nmwendwa) April 24, 2017
Kenyans will subscribe and stream the matches on phone per season. Crisis creates opportunity
— Nick Mwendwa (@Nmwendwa) April 24, 2017
