ESPN STAR Sports wins the rights for Champions League Twenty20

ESPN STAR Sports has bagged the ten-year commercial rights for the Champions League Twenty20. The deal gives ESPN STAR Sports the exclusive global commercial rights for all the matches in the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 season, due to be held from December 3 to 10, 2008, and for all further Champions League Twenty20 seasons until 2017. ESPN STAR Sports won the rights with a bid of USD $ 975 million.

Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner, Indian Premier League said, "We are absolutely delighted that after a fair and transparent process, we have what we believe to be the best commercial deal for the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 season and for cricket fans across the world. All the bids received were of a very high standard and we would like to thank all of the organisations that participated and for their submissions."

Manu Sawhney, managing director, ESPN STAR Sports said, "Through our television channels - ESPN, STAR Sports & STAR Cricket, our website www.espnstar.com, and our wireless platforms mobile. ESPN and STAR Sports Mobile, we are confident of taking the Champions League Twenty20 to new heights by working along with the various partners involved and are committed to setting new benchmarks in the broadcast and distribution, such that fans of this crowd-pulling format can look forward to an exciting time when the league begins this December."