Industry expert believes it could bring opportunities for the competition
The Premier League’s case for creating its own streaming service has been boosted by a white paper on the area.
Research conducted by CenturyLink and Streaming Video Alliance found that video streaming has continued to grow, with over 80% of consumers streaming more than three years ago and 45% defining TV as being delivered through the internet.
The Premier League recently announced plans were in place to create an OTT platform for its matches in the future. However, executive director William Bush has since outlining possible barriers to entry if it were to launch its own D2C service.
Despite this intervention, Rory McVicar, director of product management, internet and content delivery services, EMEA at CenturyLink, still believes the move is something that could work for the Premier League.
He told Broadcast Sport: “It is valid for a premium rights holder like the Premier League to start a D2C platform in this environment, and the technical flexibility afforded by Internet-based distribution makes it possible to turn up a large-scale platform rapidly. From experience with our broadcast and OTT customers, people would be willing to pick up another service, if they see value in its content. We have already seen services such as Amazon Prime pick up subscribers through its sports, and specifically Premier League, content.”
McVicar also sees several opportunities for the Premier League if they were to launch a D2C platform or partner with an ISP to deliver their content.
He added: “A more direct relationship with customers through ISPs could be beneficial to the Premier League. It gives you better insight into what your customers are interacting with, and as a result brings extra revenue opportunities through advertising, subscribership, and even further possible partnerships with ISPs.”
“DAZN’s deal with the J-League is a great example of how there could be other benefits to more availability too. Extra content has increased engagement in unexpected areas, such as more interest in attending games.”
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