There will also be a fan experience within Fortnite, which supporters can watch a live stream of on Twitch and Twitter Verizon is providing a 5G-powered ‘SuperStadium’ for fans to view Superbowl LV within the NFL mobile app. The SuperStadium will allow fans with an iPhone 12 and using the app to choose from seven […]
Author archives: Max Miller
Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour agree UK and global broadcast deals
River Media Partners will act as broadcast agent in the UK, while Eurosport will handle the global rights The Tour of Britain and Women’s Tour have agreed a partnership with Eurosport and the Global Cycling Network (GCN). The five-year deal sees the Women’s Tour produced for live coverage for the first time, and the Eurosport […]
Discovery+ unveils original content strategy for sport
Expect a lot of documentaries, and content aimed at bringing in viewers from other areas of the Discovery audience Eurosport president Andrew Georgiou and global production and content head Scott Young have revealed Discovery+’s strategy for creating original sport content, while speaking at the Broadcast Sport Virtual Breakfast Club. Talking on the subject last week, […]
Sky Sports signs multi-year deal with England Netball
The Vitality Netball Superleague will be shown free-to-air on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel Sky Sports has renewed its multi-year broadcast deal with England Netball. The agreement sees the Vitality Netball Superleague broadcast across Sky Sports and England Netball’s platforms, including free-to-air on their YouTube channels. Sky will also make highlights available for those who miss […]
Discovery+ to show Liverpool FC documentary The End Of The Storm
It will be available exclusively in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Poland and India Discovery+ is to show The End Of The Storm, a documentary charting Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning 2019/20 season. Made with the full support of Liverpool FC through production, distribution and marketing, it shows how the Reds broke a […]
Discovery+ to acquire exclusive rights separate from Eurosport
Discovery has a unique rights strategy for its new OTT platform Eurosport president Andrew Georgiou has revealed that Discovery+ will acquire sport rights that are exclusive to the platform. This could mean that the OTT service will provide sport coverage that linear broadcaster Eurosport does not. Speaking at the Broadcast Sport Virtual Breakfast Club on […]
Sunset+Vine appoints David Tippett as MD
He will work alongside Sunset+Vine executive chairman Jeff Foulser after the sad passing of Jon Leach Sunset+Vine has appointed David Tippet as managing director, starting immediately. Tippett was previously head of broadcast at the company, and has more than 25 years experience in the industry. He previously oversaw production of the Ryder Cup at Sky, […]
BBC Sport secures clean sweep of World Indoor Tour rights
All five of the upcoming World Athletics World Indoor Tour meets will be covered by the BBC BBC Sport has secured the rights to the next five World Athletics World Indoor Tour events. All meetups will be streamed exclusively on BBC iPlayer, red button, and the BBC Sport website. There will also be highlights shows […]
Discovery Plus reveals possible two tier subscription service for sport
Sport may be included as part of a second incremental tier on the OTT platform Speaking at the Broadcast Sport Virtual Breakfast Club this week, Eurosport president Andrew Georgiou has revealed that Discovery+ may have a two tier subscription service in some markets. The OTT platform is launching globally over the next 12 months, and […]
Eredivisie’s AZ Alkmaar selects AI driven camera system over crew
The club will use the system to create TV productions at its AFAS stadium Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar has chosen to use an AI driven camera studio system to create studio productions. The technology, named vPilot and developed by Mobile Viewpoint brand IQ Video Solutions, allows for the creation of professional studio productions without a […]
BT Sport confirms Premier League TV schedule for next month
Starting from 26 January, BT Sport has confirmed that it will be showing 26 Premier League games in 30 days BT Sport has confirmed that it will show 26 matches as part of the Premier League’s new TV schedule. Starting from 26 January, the broadcaster is airing every team twice over ten days and follows […]
Whisper appoints Bethan Evans as head of broadcast operations
Evans will help manage the building of a new broadcast centre at Whisper’s London HQ Whisper has appointed Bethan Evans as its new head of broadcast operations. Evans will join the company in July, following her work on the 2021 Wimbledon Championships as The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s broadcast manager. She was previously head […]
DAZN secures Movistar alliance and F1 rights acquisition
The deal means that DAZN will be available on the Movistar+ platform DAZN and Movistar have reached an agreement that sees the former distributed through the Movistar+ platform. DAZN also acquires the exploitation rights for Formula One World Championship in Spain until 2023, which will be shown on the new DAZN F1 channel on the […]
COMMENT: Is your business ready for ‘The Great Compression’ of 2021?
Jean-Baptiste Lapeyre, Specialist at Rakuten DX, takes us through the opportunities and potential pitfalls ahead in 2021. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, 2021 is a business opportunity that is simply too big to miss. If you think about it, we’re squeezing two years’ worth of sporting events into one – you could call […]
Sky Sports agrees three-year deal to broadcast Pakistan cricket
Home internationals and the Pakistan Super League will be aired in the UK Sky Sports and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have agreed a three-year deal to show Pakistan’s home internationals and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the UK. This joins deals the PCB has signed with state broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV), Willow TV […]
ITV signs multi-year darts and snooker deal with Matchroom Group
The Professional Darts Corporation and World Snooker Tour will continue to show events free-to-air ITV has extended its deal with the Professional Darts Corporation, World Snooker Tour, and Matchroom to continue showing events exclusively on ITV4. Snooker’s Champion of Champions joins World Snooker Tour events like the Players Championship, World Grand Prix, and Tour Championship […]
UFC secures Eleven and RMC Sport broadcast deals
Conor McGregor’s shock defeat to Dustin Poirier was aired on both networks last weekend UFC has secured new broadcast deals with Eleven Belgium and French broadcaster RMC Sport. Eleven’s multi-year deal began on Saturday, with Conor McGregor’s loss to Dustin Poirier the first bout to be broadcast as a result of it. The agreement means […]
IMG and Panasonic extend Sport 24 airlines deal
The 24/7 sports channel will continue to be shown on flights IMG and Panasonic Avionics Corporation have extended the deal that sees Sport 24 available to airlines worldwide. Panasonic will exclusively market the channel, plus its sister channel Sport 24 Extra, to airlines using other connectivity networks for the first time – meaning the service […]
2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series boosts international reach
The horse racing event will be shown in the UK on Sky Sports Racing The 2021 Pegasus World Cup Championship Invitational Series has increased its reach with nine new broadcasters. Distribution partner, HBA Media, has agreed deals to air the competition – which includes the $3 million (£2,188,425) Pegasus World Cup Invitational race – on […]
Eurosport backs British Speedway scheme to showcase rising stars
The broadcaster wants to help drive interest in the sport Eurosport is backing British Speedway in a scheme promoting young British talent. The five-year plan will get underway when the season commences from 1 May this year, and means that every Premiership and Championship team will include one rising star in an effort to speed […]
Premier League reveals initial TV schedule for February
Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video, the BBC and BT Sport have had their match choices revealed The Premier League has revealed more of its TV schedule for February, confirming that all games weill be televised until at least 1 March. Sky Sports will be happy to have gained several of the highest profile matches, with […]
SailGP expands to eight races in second season schedule
It plans to get underway in Bermuda from April SailGP has announced the schedule for its second season, revealing that it will expand from five races to eight. It will get underway from 24 April in Bermuda, despite worries over the Covid-19 pandemic. Travelling across three continents and visiting seven new host venues, only San […]
Liverpool v Manchester United breaks Sky Sports viewing record
It becomes the second-most viewed Premier League game ever, after Everton v Liverpool’s part FTA-aired match in June 2020. Sky Sports has revealed that Liverpool v Manchester United broke the record for the most viewed match on their channels. An average of 4.5 million people tuned in for the match, with a peak of 4.8 […]
Zig Zag produces Amazon Prime Son Heung-Min documentary
Sonsational follows the Tottenham star’s career and life during 2019, and is now on Amazon Prime Video Zig Zag Productions has delivered documentary Sonsational to Amazon Prime Video. ‘Sonsational’ follows Tottenham footballer Son Heung-Min through 2019, as he continues to be one of the leading players in world football. Former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino and […]
Recast launches beta for micropayment OTT platform
Recast wants to help sports which have had trouble monetising their content Micropayment OTT platform Recast has launched a beta version, ahead of a full unveiling later this year. The platform aims to change the way that viewers consume sport, introducing a micropayments system that uses in-app credits called ‘Casts’. Fans can earn these credits […]
Extreme E partners with Al Kamel Systems for broadcast support
Al Kamel Systems will assist with TV graphics, timekeeping, and more… Extreme E has partnered with Al Kamel Systems for time keeping, TV graphic services and data information related to broadcast. Ahead of the launch of the environmentally focused electric racing series, the organisation has joined with Al Kamel Systems to assist its broadcast. The […]
Pure ETCR to reach over 250 million viewers in Eurosport partnership
The deal will see the racing series shown in more than 75 countries and territories Pure ETCR has reached a deal with Eurosport to show the competition in over 75 countries and territories. The electric racing series will use the most powerful touring cars ever built, reaching 500kW peak power – the equivalent of 670bhp. […]
Eleven leadership restructure brings in MyCujoo co-founders
You can hear from COO Anouk Mertens and new chief direct to consumer officer Pedro Presa at the Broadcast Sport Virtual Breakfast Club this month Eleven Group has restructured its leadership team, bringing the founders of MyCujoo on board after its acquisition of the streaming service. MyCujoo co-founder and CEO, Pedro Presa, joins the Eleven […]
COMMENT: Engaging fans and boosting revenue through D2C
Dheeraj Ravula, head of product for D2C video solutions, MediaKind, takes us through the growing opportunities in D2C/OTT For sports rights-holders, leagues and teams looking to future proof their business models amid turbulent industry disruption, one thing is clear; having direct relationships with fans is critical. Sports rights-holders now have a renewed opportunity to offer […]
Extreme E confirms Sky Sports will broadcast races
The electric racing series will get underway in March Extreme E has confirmed that its races will be broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK. The partnership with the subscription service joins the deal that the organisation has with BBC Sport – which will show races on its digital channels. Extreme E’s focus on the […]
La Liga launches invitation to tender for Indian subcontinent rights
Bids must be made by 8 February La Liga has kicked off the tendering process for audiovisual rights in the Indian subcontinent. Bidders are invited to submit offers for the 2021/22 season onwards, covering a minimum of three seasons and a maximum of five. The tender includes eight countries: Afghanistan (non-exclusive basis), Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, […]
Sportel to skip winter event, launches free webinars to fill gap
Monaco Mediax is hoping to get back to face-to-face later in the year Monaco Mediax, the organiser of the Sportel events, has decided against running the 2021 Winter edition. Sportel Monaco 2020 had been postponed from the autumn to this coming 22-24 February due to the Covid-19 crisis, but will now not go ahead because […]
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin kicks off creative studio and production agency
Hifen will augment the footballer’s sport’s marketing agency, B-Engaged Arsenal footballer Hector Bellerin has opened his own creative studio and production agency, Hifen Studios. The 25-year-old already has his own sports marketing agency, B-Engaged. The new proposition will look to build on B-Engaged’s sports industry experience, which includes work with the likes of Puma, Adidas, […]
DAZN Group announces co-CEOs in leadership shake up
The OTT provider expanded its platform to over 200 countries and territories in December DAZN Group has appointed co-CEOs as it looks to build on its expansion to over 200 countries and territories. Shay Segev joins the broadcaster from Entain, a sports betting and gaming company. He has a background in technology and digital transformation […]
World Rugby recruits new broadcast operations manager
She joins the organisation from IMG’s media arm World Rugby has appointed Amanda Godson as its new broadcast operations manager. She joins the organisation after leaving IMG Media last year, where she had worked since 2017 as commercial manager, media rights and aquisitions. She also had roles at the company acting as broadcast manager at […]
Formula E launches new esports competition, Formula E Accelerate
Open qualifying for the competition has already started Formula E has launched a new esports competition, Formula E Accelerate, to try and build on the success of its Formula E Race at Home Challenge in support of UNICEF last year. Formula E Accelerate will feature 24 rising stars from the world of motorsports and esports […]
OneFootball appoints to newly-created global entertainment director role
Denise Parkinson joins the company after work at The Telegraph Media Group and Walt Disney TV OneFootball has appointed Denise Parkinson to the newly-created role of global entertainment director. Parkinson has over 25 years experience in the media and marketing industries, and has worked as global entertainment director at The Telegraph Media Group and as […]
Canal+ to broadcast Trophee des Champions alongside Mediapro
Paris St. Germain and Marseille will face each other in the marquee match. Canal+ will air the marquee Trophee des Champions in France this month, alongside Mediapro subscription service Telefoot. The match, usually played between the winner of Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France as a season-opener much like the Community Shield in the […]
Formula E extends broadcast deal and confirms Saudi Arabia night race start
The season will get underway on the last weekend of February Formula E has extended its Austrian free-to-air broadcaster ORF for another three seasons. The largest free-to-air broadcaster in Austria, ORF will show every qualifying session and E-Prix live on ORF1 and ORF Sport+ – continuing a relationship that has run since 2016. The first […]
Discovery+ hopes Olympics springboard can launch platform to new subscribers
Eurosport president Andrew Georgiou said Discovery+ wants to use the Olympics as a springboard Eurosport and global sports rights & sports marketing solutions president at Discovery Andrew Georgiou has outlined how Discovery+ hopes to use sport as a major draw for subscribers. The new platform will play host to the Olympics in several regions, and […]
BBC Sport reveals ‘Mark Wright: The Last Chance’ documentary
The programme will follow the celebrity after his return to football with the League Two club BBC Sport has revealed its latest documentary, iPlayer mini-series Mark Wright: The Last Chance. The programme follows the TV personality and presenter on his final attempt to make it as a footballer, after he signed for League Two Crawley […]
Eleven Taiwan appoints new MD after distribution extension
Michael Sun has left his role as chairman and CEO of SlamBall Asia to join the company Eleven Taiwan has appointed Michael Sun as managing director, just weeks after it extended its distribution in the country. Sun joins the broadcaster after being CEO and chairman of SlamBall Asia – a form of basketball played with […]
Serie A officially launches domestic broadcast rights sales bidding
There are three packages available for broadcasters Serie A has officially launched the bidding process for its domestic broadcast rights for 2021-22 until 2023-24, with the deadline on 26 January. The Italian league has issued three packages: A, B, and C. Package A contains satellite platform rights and has a minimum price of €500 million […]
Report: Disney and Amazon considering move into English cricket broadcasting
This could mean that consumers will need multiple subscriptions to follow the England cricket team Disney is reportedly set to show the England cricket team’s tour of India this winter. In addition, Amazon is interested in the rights for the next Ashes series, which could force consumers into multiple subscriptions if they want to watch […]
Study estimates Premier League games pirated by two million Brits in 2020
The numbers could be affected by the Premier League’s attempt to move to pay-per-view A study from consumer comparison site Finder has estimated that roughly two milion Brits watched an illegally streamed Premier League match in 2020. The report from Finder included a survey of 2,000 Brits that took place in December, asking questions about […]
Discovery+ streams new documentary ‘What Killed Maradona?”
The programme takes a look at the tragic life of footballing all-time great Diego Maradona Discovery+ is exclusively streaming new documentary, ‘What Killed Maradona?’, an investigation in to the tragic life of Argentinian footballing legend Diego Maradona. Maradona sadly passed away in 2020, at the age of just 60. ‘What Killed Maradona?’ takes a look […]
COMMENT: What sports broadcasters have learned in an unprecedented 2020
Greg Burns, head of business development at Arqiva, reveals what sports broadcasters can take on board going into 2021. The sports broadcasting industry was granted a unique opportunity to test and trial new ways of working when producing and distributing content this year as it wrestled with the impact of the global pandemic. It forced […]
COMMENT: Sunset+Vine on producing the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in a pandemic
James Livingston, features producer at Sunset+Vine, reveals the work that went on behind the scenes at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup With the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacting all aspects of production in 2020, we knew we had our work cut out for us ahead of the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup for […]
DAZN reveals new original doc ‘Club Ibiza: The Sessions’
It will become available on DAZN’s global platform this month DAZN has unveiled new original documentary, Club Ibiza: The Sessions, for its global platform. Produced by DAZN Originals in association with Cielo Azul, the programme follows the fortunes of UD Ibiza, a football team in the third tier of the Spanish football pyramid. The five-part […]
La Liga and broadcasters adapt ‘Ultimate Xpert’ competition for Covid-19
The competition has had to be tweaked to deal with the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic La Liga is teaming up with broadcasters across the globe for its ‘Ultimate Xpert’ competition, which runs from December until May. In seasons past, this has entailed lucky subscribers, journalists, and influencers visiting stadiums, watching matches, and taking part […]
Sky, BT, and Rise on remote production’s potential for inclusivity
Rise managing director Carrie Wooten, Sky Sports’ Jena Mihalovic, and BT Sport’s Charlotte Winter were speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Remote production could have a big effect on inclusivity in the broadcast industry, according to Rise managing director Carrie Wooten and figures from major broadcasters Sky and BT. The trio spoke at […]
F1 and SailGP on building esports gains post-lockdown
Formula One head of digital business initiatives and esports, Julian Tan, and SailGP head of content, Jose Garnes, were speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Esports have made some major gains in 2020, capitalising on the lack of live sport to build their audiences and output. Among the traditional sports to have taken […]
BT Sport hints at timeline for AR holographic broadcasts
BT Sport director of mobile strategy, Matt Stagg, was speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum BT Sport director of mobile strategy, Matt Stagg, has hinted that consumers could be viewing augmented reality holographic broadcasts within the next few years. Stagg revealed the news to attendees of the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum, while […]
The FA and LaLiga on rights holders’ OTT future
Keegan Pierce, international development UK&I, La Liga, and Matt Brown, broadcast product manager, The FA, were speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum FA broadcast product manager Matt Brown and La Liga international development, UK&I, Keegan Pierce have spoken on the importance of OTT platforms for rights holders and the possibility that they could […]
Timeline TV predicts 200 tonnes of C02 savings in 2020
Timeline TV CEO, Daniel McDonnell, was speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Timeline TV CEO Daniel McDonnell has revealed that the company predicts it will save 200 tonnes of C02 by the end of this year. Remote production has meant the company has been able to cut back on flights this year, as […]
Sunset+Vine on the future of remote production
Sunset+Vine executive producer Nick Moody backed remote production to stick around post lockdown at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum Sunset+Vine executive producer Nick Moody has backed remote production to be one of the main improvements in broadcast production that will stay after lockdowns end. Speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum in a […]
BBC Sport open to working with OTT platforms for niche sports
Speaking at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum, BBC Sport director Barbara Slater revealed a willingness to work together on smaller sports BBC Sport director Barbara Slater has hinted that the public service broadcaster could be open to working alongside OTT streamers on certain sports. Speaking to Broadcast editor Chris Curtis at the Broadcast Sport […]
Tech Innovation Forum: How BT Sport integrates esports content
BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh told the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum how the broadcaster aims to use esports content The Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum was held on 11-12 November, and among the speakers was BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh. Giving insight on a range of topics, Hindhaugh touched on how BT Sport aims […]
Sky Sports and BT Sport suggest CG fans will not be seen in the UK
Mike Norrish, director of creative and digital at BT Sport, and Duncan East, head of directors and creative at Sky Sports, revealed the news at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum UK sport fans may not be seeing CG supporters on their screen while stadiums are empty, Sky Sports and BT Sport have revealed. Speaking […]
BT Sport halves Premier League production carbon footprint
BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh revealed the green accomplishment at the Broadcast Sport Tech Innovation Forum BT Sport has halved its carbon footprint when producing Premier League matches, according to COO Jamie Hindhaugh. Since the resumption of sport after the Covid-19 postponements, much of the matchday production has had to move to remote working – […]
Sky thanks European football return for revenue rebound
The Premier League and other European leagues returned to action over the summer Sky owner Comcast has revealed that the return of European football has helped the broadcaster to grow revenues in the third quarter. Comcast said: “higher wholesale revenue from sports programming as European football leagues resumed” was to thank for a 0.3% growth […]
World’s Strongest Man unveils paid behind-the-scenes content for Facebook
It will feature exclusive close-up looks at the making of the event The SBD World’s Strongest Man is offering fans the chance to pay for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage through Facebook. Premiering on 10 November, World’s Strongest Man: Live from Bradenton will include close-up looks at the making of the event. The episodes will stream every […]
HBA Media secures global distribution for Melbourne Cup
It will be the first time that the horse racing event is on a number of major networks HBA Media will distribute an the Lexus Melbourne Cup across all continents, with it appearing on a number of major networks for the first time on 3 November. Eurosport India (India), Supersport (Africa), Polsat (Poland), Movistar (Spain), […]
DAZN launches globally with Luke Campbell v Ryan Garcia
DAZN is will live and exclusive in the UK and around the world DAZN has announced that its global launch event will be the Luke Campbell v Ryan Garcia match up on 5 December. The OTT broadcaster will show the fight live and exclusive in the UK and worldwide, except Poland, with an initial price […]
Insight TV to broadcast live Red Bull freestyle football and breakdancing
Football legends such as Roberto Carlos, Gary Neville, and Fabio Cannavaro will be judging the footballers’ skills Channel provider and producer Insight TV will broadcast two Red Bull Media House events live next month. First up will be the Red Bull Street Style Final 2020 on 14 November at 7pm GMT. In a new online […]
COMMENT: How sports broadcasters can adapt to opportunities in the new normal
Julien Bertin, head of Infront Productions, France, reveals how broadcasters can adapt to the new normal and take advantage of the opportunities available in sports It seemed over the early summer that everyone in the production industry’s favourite pastime was speculating how we would adapt and return following the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of us participated […]
AIA and Dugout partner for new Tottenham content series
The series will feature Spurs stars such as Harry Kane and Dele Alli Insurance and finance company AIA is working with Dugout to produce a new series of content featuring Tottenham Hotspur’s players. Also the club’s shirt sponsor, AIA is using the ‘Every Team Needs’ content to support its campaign to help people live ‘Healthier, […]
Report calls for sports anti-piracy rethink after ‘staggering’ illegal viewing figures
Synamedia report finds that new plans are needed to stop sports piracy Video software provider Synamedia has published a report that finds what is described as a ‘staggering’ 83% of the most engaged fans who watch sport every week access illegal streams. Featuring work by Ampere Analysis on research on the behaviour and motivations of […]
UFC adds extra content and AR feature in Snapchat extension
There are also plans for more interactivity on its platform UFC is to add extra content to its Snapchat channel after signing a new deal with the social media giant. The organisation has put pen to paper on a ‘multi-year’ extension to their current partnership. This will see the promoter continue to create highlights and […]
Caribbean Premier League partners with WSC Sports for video highlights
The CPL is the first Twenty20 tournament to return since the coronavirus hiatus The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has teamed up with AI sports video technology company WSC Sports to enhance its real-time video highlights. The CPL is the first Twenty20 tournament to return to action since the enforced coronvirus postponements, and will use WSC’s […]