Sky Sports has taken a controversial step in announcing its Premier League broadcasting schedule for the 2020/21 season. They’ll be the only place to stream in the US all 215+ live matches! Shockingly, this new deal is a huge increase from how many games the network aired last season—in which the small network only aired 128 games. With this increase, Sky Sports will now be in charge of around 80 percent of all Premier League matches broadcast live on TV.
This strategic move reinforces Sky Sports’ promise to bring fans more football than ever before – in stadiums across the country. The network’s goals include improving viewer engagement and strengthening its competitive posture as one of the world’s foremost sports broadcasters. This new season should all but ensure a more enjoyable and engaging experience for football fans.
Increased Match Coverage
For those unfamiliar, Sky Sports is the largest commercial stakeholder of the English Premier League. They’re adding live as well as television match coverage from 128 games to a minimum of 215. The network’s decision to expand its live offerings is a direct recognition of the continued rising star status of live football on TV. Sky Sports is snatching exclusive rights to more fixtures. This tactic is aimed at pulling in even more subscribers and maintaining their lead foot speed in the battle for supremacy in sports broadcasting.
This substantial increase in coverage reflects not only the demand from viewers but the network’s ambition to cater to a wider audience. Sky Sports aims to showcase the biggest fixtures and most exciting matchups. The Project is set to transform it into the go-to place for the world’s most popular sport— Premier League football.
Dominance in Broadcasting
Sky Sports will continue to have a stranglehold on the football broadcasting landscape next season. They will stream more than 80 percent of all televised Premier League matches. This promise ensures supporters the most diverse schedule of matches possible. In turn, their viewing experience will be dramatically improved. The network plans to showcase not just regular season games, but pivotal clashes that could have major implications for team standings.
The move to add more coverage fits perfectly with Sky Sports’ approach of providing the best quality content to its customers. By focusing on exclusive live broadcasts, the network aims to create a more engaging atmosphere for fans, who can follow their favorite teams week after week without interruption.
Industry Reactions
Football broadcasting – Industry insiders – and other sports broadcasting types – see this introduction and expansion as an incredibly foresighted move that will upend the football broadcasting universe. Insiders believe investment in live sports production is critical to keeping viewers hooked and paving the way for sustained future growth, according to a new report by Sports Business Journal. No doubt, competition is fierce among broadcasters. Sky Sports are raising the bar on themselves by massively increasing their Premier League content, making it a remarkable industry-leading move.
As Thomas Frank, the head coach of Brentford FC, stated, “This is football – it’s so unpredictable. He emphasized the important role that risk-taking has in the sport.
“If you don’t take risks, you also take risks.” – Thomas Frank
His comments are a wise reflection on the growing reality of the sports broadcast ecosystem. Networks need to be able to rapidly respond to changing audience tastes and competitive landscape forces.
Leave a Reply