Matchroom goes D2C with OTT sports platform launch

Promoter Matchroom Sport is to launch a multi-sport OTT service that will allow viewers to watch 12 different sports including darts and snooker live and on-demand.

Matchroom Live, which is set to launch this spring, will offer sports fans live broadcasts of Matchroom Sport events in non-broadcast territories, event highlights, full replays and a catalogue of on-demand content for free.

Matchroom Sport owns, manages and promotes sporting events. World Darts Championship and Premier League Darts, Pool’s Mosconi Cup and World Pool Championship, plus the World Snooker Championship and The Masters are among the niche sports tournaments set to feature on the service.

Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn said: “Matchroom Live will allow us to reach new audiences, grow our international presence and offer world-class entertainment for fans across the globe.

The service will be launched with a dedicated video-first website and on native iOS and Android apps. It will have the ability to cast, enabling screen sharing to consoles, smart TV or other connected devices.

Fans can also watch up to four live events at once with ‘QuadPlay’, described as a unique four-screen view that offers a true multi-sport experience.

Matchroom Live will offer subscription packages and pay-per-view options. Matchroom Sport will also be able to deploy subscription-funded, sponsorship-funded, ad-funded or hybrid commercial models by sport and territory.

Read more Winning at OTT: Tech vs content

Matchroom has partnered with technology provider StreamAMG for the OTT service.

“StreamAMG’s track record makes them a fantastic partner to launch this service and provide an excellent experience for viewers worldwide,” said Hearn.

StreamAMG chief executive officer Hugo Sharman added: “This is a unique platform with a unique offering. Matchroom Sport have always been quick to adopt new technology and new business models, and we’re delighted to support their ambition.”

StreamAMG’s StreamPlay is an end-to-end solution which combines a suite of video technology to offer a full OTT service and includes live production, global delivery, on demand video content management, user management and payments and the front-end experience.

StreamAMG is a long-standing partner to Matchroom Sport and has operated darts video platform PDC.TV since 2016. The company also streamed Anthony Joshua vs. Andy Ruiz II for the Indian Subcontinent in December 2019.

Read more Wilder vs Fury II: Fight night set to KO PPV records