Starting next season, the new official streaming platform of the league will be called Premier League Plus, and it will significantly change the process of football fans watching the matches. The Premier League assured that the service would initially be introduced to Singapore then spread to other locations.
The new platform will operate similarly to Netflix-like application. The fans will have the opportunity to view all 380 matches during one season. The additional content that will be covered by the service will be highlights, analysis and exclusive features. This action demonstrates the way football is adjusting to online watching.
The officials of the Premier league hope that Singapore launch will serve as a pilot market. The model has the potential to be implemented globally in case it is successful. The league would like to know whether it is possible to have direct streaming to go hand in hand with traditional TV broadcasting.
The chief executive, Richard Masters, gave an explanation that the project had a long planning process. Before this decision was made, the league took care to study the demand of the market and digital trends.
The actual broadcast agreements will not be substituted with the new service at once. Existing negotiations with other broadcasters such as Sky Sports and TNT Sports in UK will proceed accordingly. It is an indication that the traditional TV coverage is safe in the meantime.
There are already a number of large sports leagues with similar platforms. Online broadcasting has been a major component in sports business practices. Direct to consumer services provide the leagues with a greater control over content and revenue.
It is hoped that the new platform will be able to attract younger audiences who rely on streaming services more, supported by the Premier League. The fans will have the opportunity to view the matches at any time and any device.
The Singapore trial would bring about a global service (Premier League Plus) in case the trial is successful. It can transform the dynamics of football broadcasting in future.
