Premier League football could go D2C in Asia at some point in the coming years, according to Richard Masters, CEO of one of the world’s most lucrative sports leagues.
Masters spoke at APOS 2022 yesterday and stated that there are “narrow opportunities in Asia to go D2C if we choose to do so,”Although current broadcasting contracts that were renewed recently will need to expire, it will take at least three years.
Masters stated that these D2C conversations had been taking place in the region before the pandemic. “as an experiment.”
“Four years ago we were talking about the prospect of the Premier League going D2C in certain markets but the pandemic changed everyone’s plans and we are now contracted for three years in some places and six in many,”He added. “It’s going to be a long journey but you will see sports rights holders skilling up, understanding how to build relationships. We must build on expertise.”
Streamers also have an impact on Asia’s market, with many of them now own rights to the country, including Disney+ Hotstar India.
Masters Views “mix of pay-TV operators and streamers”As the future broadcasters for the Premier League on the continent.
He emphasized the popularity of the Premier League Asia, where 30% of the population is interested in playing at some level. “That’s extraordinary and we’re never complacent,”He added. Meanwhile, “extraordinary”The United States has seen growth, with nearly half of the interest coming from the last two years. This has been helped by coverage on NBC.
In Asia, Masters recently oversaw the opening of an office in Singapore, the Premier League’s first outside of the UK. This office oversees the sport and piracy in the region.
Masters stated: “We have put many people behind bars and stopped many illegal streams. We need to work with local police and regulators to help with this and are trying to educate fans. At the end of the day, piracy becomes bad for the club they support and the sport they love.”