From Yahoo Sports: The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) announced today that broadcast rights have been awarded for the Oceania Qualifier of the 2015 Men’s Softball World Championship throughout the Oceania region.
Baseball and softball international competitions sanctioned by the WBSC have developed growing player, fan, commercial and broadcast interest around the world in recent years, helping to further promote and increase participation in the sports in new markets and local communities. WBSC officials hailed the groundbreaking deals, particularly as baseball and softball continue an accelerating trend of globalisation and adding to their case for inclusion in the Olympics Games.
Under a set of landmark agreements, the Oceania championship will see live coverage throughout New Zealand via SKY Television and SKYGO live streaming.
Fox Sports has acquired the broadcast rights in Australia for all highly anticipated rivalry match-ups between Australia and host New Zealand, as well as all playoff contests.
In addition, live and delayed coverage of the men’s softball continental showcase will extend into the homes of nine emerging Pacific nations, including American Samoa, Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu, raising the profile of the bat-and-ball sports among new and growing audiences, while attracting more athletes and commercial interest for baseball and softball.
“This is an important time for our sport, and the growing number of broadcast agreements show the expansive audience baseball and softball connects with,” said WBSC Executive Vice President Dale McMann. “Broadcast and media coverage continue to be a main driver of growth for our sport and world championship platforms. This is a great day for our sport and for both new and loyal fans throughout the Oceania region.” Click here to continue reading this story.