A representative of a TV network on Monday revealed that the holder of the telecast rights for the delayed 2022 Asian Games, which has been rescheduled to September this year, offered the broadcasting package in Vietnam at as much as US$15 million.

Television networks and sports rights enterprises in Vietnam were taken aback by the quotation.

The negotiations are currently in progress, and so far, no entity in Vietnam has secured the broadcasting rights for the 2022 Asian Games.

Originally scheduled for 2022, the 19th edition of the Asian Games faced a postponement to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Games are now set to take place in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8 with 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 483 events.

The anticipated participation in the 2022 Asian Games encompasses 45 countries and territories.

Vietnam’s sports sector plans to send a delegation of over 400 members, including more than 300 athletes, to the quadrennial event, with the objective of clinching at least three gold medals. 

The host, China, has designated China Media Group (CMG) as the official broadcasting station and telecast right distributor for the event.

Hong Kong and India have secured the broadcasting rights for the Games, but the exact financial details surrounding these acquisitions have not been disclosed to the media.

Experts had previously forecast a high price for the 2022 Asian Games telecast rights following the upward trajectory in recent years.

The cost of television rights for the 14th and 15th editions, which were held in 2002 in Busan, South Korea and in 2006 in Qatar, respectively, sold in Vietnam was merely a symbolic $10,000. 

By the time of the 16th iteration in 2010 in Guangzhou, China, the price had increased to $50,000.

In 2014, during the Games in Incheon, South Korea, the rights package was made available at $400,000 for the exclusive version and $200,000 for a non-exclusive option. 

In 2018, the television rights for the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia were offered for up to $3 million for the exclusive package.

In a conversation with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, the director of a copyright-focused enterprise in Vietnam said, “We see no necessity in acquiring the telecast rights for the 19th Games due to the excessively steep pricing proposed by partners.” 

“Engaging in such a venture would prove to be ineffective for our business, especially considering the relatively poor prospects for Vietnamese sports at the event."

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