Premier League to Launch Direct Streaming Service in Singapore

The Premier League will launch a direct-to-consumer streaming service, Premier League Plus, in Singapore next season. This move marks the first time the league will offer a service that bypasses traditional broadcasters.

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Premier League chief executive Richard Masters confirmed the launch at the Financial Times’ Business of Football Summit in London. He described the initiative as a "very long, considered process, carefully chosen."

Premier League Plus will be available via a new app downloadable on smart televisions or laptops. Subscribers will gain access to all 380 games per season, along with "shoulder content" and a dedicated 24/7 channel.

Singapore currently has a six-year agreement with StarHub, one of its two telecommunications providers, for Premier League content. The new streaming service will operate with the Premier League taking on responsibilities alongside StarHub.

Masters stated that the Singapore launch is a trial to determine if the direct-to-consumer model is "replicable elsewhere." The initiative could have significant consequences for the long-term future of football broadcasting.

Should the model be replicated in the United Kingdom, it could deal a major blow to current live action rights holders Sky Sports and TNT Sports. However, a rollout in the UK or United States is "extremely unlikely" at this stage.

Sky Sports has been a major profit generator and instrumental in the league’s popularity since 1992. Fans are closely monitoring the pricing of the new streaming service amid concerns about spiralling costs for multiple network subscriptions.

UK supporters could pay around GBP 1,350 annually from 2027 to access all broadcasters of Premier League and Champions League football. The domestic rights deal between 2025 and 2029 with Sky Sports and TNT Sports is valued at GBP 6.7 billion.

Existing broadcasters handle significant marketing, production, and customer service costs. Running in-house broadcasts would present a major risk for the Premier League, raising questions about maintaining impartial journalistic output.

As an example, Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 launched a subscription channel, Ligue 1+, after their overseeing body, the LFP, failed to secure a rights deal. This service has seen initial success, gaining 1.1 million subscribers, with 80% having paying commitments. The LFP aims for an additional 1 million subscribers by the end of the 2028-29 campaign to meet clubs' financial needs.

* The Premier League is launching Premier League Plus, a direct-to-consumer streaming service.

* Singapore will be the first country to offer Premier League Plus next season.

* The service will provide 380 games per season, additional content, and a 24/7 channel.

* This launch is considered a trial, with the potential for future expansion to other markets.

Source: Daily Mail