How about watching the Premier League using a Netflix-esque service? This development is what the PL has hinted to launch, but a couple of years down the line.
Over-the-top services are currently very popular as people shift from traditional TV programming to streaming apps. The rumoured OTT product is said to hit the market as early as 2022, and will even be availed across many markets, more than those offered by the likes of Amazon’s Prime Video.
According to the CEO of the PL Richard Masters, the league is undertaking bidding processes and is reportedly investing substantial resources in building the expertise around OTT products. The CEO has since revealed that the league considered testing the product in some markets, but decided not to. Apparently, the dynamics of the product are complicated, but the PL should be ready to test-drive the ‘PremFlix’ app the next time an opportunity comes up.
Locally, Kenyans use MultiChoice’s DStv to watch PL matches. However, DStv has been criticized for being too expensive but has since revised the pricing downward due to market forces.
Furthermore, DStv is planning to spin its business by releasing an OTT service that will effectively allow customers to subscribe for the service without the need for decoders, antennas or any other additional hardware. Should this happen, a lot of people are going to be very happy, and we hope pricing will be equally attractive.
It has also been speculated that MultiChoice will charge a monthly fee that will be competitive to that of Netflix. We mention Netflix because, in the past, MultiChoice has always criticized the American video streaming company of unfair practices.
In other parts of the world, customers access the PL using services such as BT Sport, Sky Sports, and Prime Video. Save for Prime Video, the other services are available in Kenya unless you get creative and access those free and illegal streaming sites that have landed people in trouble.
