English Premier League (EPL) CEO Richard Masters has revealed that the league is planning to launch an online digital streaming service. Similar to Netflix’s subscription approach, EPL’s upcoming channel aims to sell live matches and other content directly to viewers outside of the UK.
Masters stated that the EPL had previously considered to launch the “Premflix” service in some countries during the TV bidding process for the 2019 – 2022 seasons. However, the league had pulled the decision as it wasn’t strategically the right time for it to debut. The EPL CEO added that the consideration is now on the table again for the league’s 2022 – 2025 seasons.
“We were ready last time and we will be ready next time should the opportunity arise,” said Masters. “I’m not saying it will happen in the next cycle or when it will happen, but eventually the Premier League will move to a mix of direct consumer and media rights sales. It is impossible to say when that will be.”
The EPL earns over EUR 3 billion annually from TV broadcasts in 188 countries, with Astro Holdings Berhad holding the rights to air the league’s matches in Malaysia. The Premier League’s jump to a subscription based streaming service could further boost their profits and may drastically change how football content can be enjoyed.
(Source: The Guardian.)
