Premier League's 'Premflix' App: A Singapore-Only Streaming Service
The Premier League is set to launch its own streaming service, offering live coverage of all 380 matches over a season directly to fans in Singapore. This move, known as Premier League Plus, marks the first time match coverage will be sold directly to consumers. The app will be available before the next season, and the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters, describes it as a "learning" opportunity.
This initiative will cause shockwaves throughout the industry as the world's biggest domestic football league takes control of its revenues without a broadcast partner. Masters announced that Premier League Plus will be offered in partnership with Starhub and will be a 24/7 service. The app will allow the Premier League to build its own business and learn how to replicate this model globally.
The idea of a 'Premflix' service has been discussed for years, with Premier League club owners supporting the concept. However, the league has chosen a trial approach, and Masters highlighted the 27% growth in international broadcast revenues during the latest three-year rights cycle. The Premier League's focus on direct sales and the potential for a global streaming service has sparked interest and speculation.
At the Financial Times Business of Football Summit, David Kogan, the chair of the Independent Football Regulator, called for a new "long-term sustainable agreement" between the Premier League and EFL regarding financial redistribution. He believes this will lead to "less regulation" in the future. Kogan also mentioned that parachute payments, a contentious issue, will be reviewed in the State of the Game report.
Rick Parry, the chair of the EFL, shared concerns about the impact of parachute payments, which have grown to 173% of EFL turnover since 1992. He described the Premier League's pursuit of new agreements as the most expensive lottery ticket. The Premier League's approach to direct sales and the potential for a 'Premflix' service has sparked discussions and debates within the industry, leaving fans and experts alike eagerly awaiting the results of this trial.
