Protocol Sports Marketing, in its capacity as the exclusive worldwide distributor of the Global Chess League, is thrilled to announce the extensive list of global broadcasters committed to bringing the inaugural edition of the league to a worldwide audience. The Global Chess League, a groundbreaking initiative by Tech Mahindra and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), will reach potential households across an unprecedented 225 countries and territories.
Marking a new era in the broadcast of chess as a global sport, Protocol has successfully sealed media rights deals with some of the world's most significant sports broadcasters. The impressive list includes Eurosport, DAZN, StarTimes, Fox Sports, Kayo Sports, Verdens Gang, WELT, Sportklub, TAPDMV, Saudi Sports Channel, Shahid, S Sport, among others.
Jagdish Mitra, Chairperson of the Global Chess League Board said, “Global Chess League is meant to be a global phenomenon, and we intend to bring about a new way of viewing chess and fan engagement. In such a scenario, it is of utmost importance that the league reaches a diverse cohort of audiences across the world, and we are glad that such reputed names in the world of sports broadcast and streaming have decided to partner with us. We are confident that with a seamless broadcast and streaming experience, we will activate a new set of chess fans worldwide by the end of the league.”
The annual league will feature an innovative mixed-team format. Each of the six franchises will compete in 10 matches in a double round-robin system, with the winner of each match being determined by a best-of-six board scoring system played simultaneously. The top two teams will then vie for the coveted Global Chess League Championship title on July 2, 2023.
Protocol Sports Marketing's distribution deal will result in the most widely distributed chess tournament ever, with coverage spanning almost every territory worldwide on OTT and in over 140 linear broadcast markets. This groundbreaking initiative confirms Protocol's commitment to showcasing innovative and emerging sports properties on a global scale.
Lowell Conn, President of Protocol Sports Marketing, comments, "The successful global distribution of the Global Chess League is a testament to our commitment to promoting unique and innovative sports properties. We are proud to facilitate the growth and popularization of the league, contributing to its status as a pioneering project in the chess and broader sports world."
For more information, please contact Jugal Yadav via email at jyadav@protocolsport.com or by phone at +1 416 449 9400 ext. 247.