SPURS STAR: “No one can do it like me, I made it happen”….

Son Heung-min’s Massive Popularity Drives Premier League TV Rights Boom

The immense popularity of Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min in South Korea has inadvertently played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking new commercial agreement that will significantly benefit the Premier League as a whole. In an unprecedented move, the league’s latest international TV deal combines rights for both the Premier League and FA Cup competitions.

Coupang, a major South Korean e-commerce company, has secured the streaming rights for these events in South Korea starting in 2025 and 2026. While the exact value remains undisclosed, the deal is expected to surpass the previous £8 million agreement, contributing to the Premier League’s staggering £11 billion+ broadcast rights valuation – with international rights now exceeding domestic for the first time.

Son’s Impact on Tottenham’s Korean Fanbase

Son’s arrival at Tottenham in 2015 sparked an exponential rise in the club’s popularity in South Korea. The official Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Club in the country boasts around 28,000 members. As one of Spurs’ all-time top scorers, Son has been instrumental in driving the club’s commercial success across Southeast Asia.

During their 2022 preseason tour in South Korea, Tottenham secured numerous partnership deals with local businesses, prominently featuring Son in promotional materials. The club has since launched Korean social media channels and tourism initiatives to capitalize on the 31-year-old’s unwavering appeal in the region.

Tottenham’s Broader Commercial Growth

While Son’s impact cannot be understated, Tottenham’s commercial growth extends beyond a single player. The club’s decision to construct a state-of-the-art new stadium, spearheaded by chairman Daniel Levy, has been a major contributing factor. Despite finishing 8th in the Premier League last season, Spurs’ sponsorship and merchandise revenue hit a record £183 million, increasing by 24% year-on-year.

However, the departure of the highly-regarded commercial director Todd Kline to Chelsea earlier this year was a setback for the department.