iSportconnect’s Deals Of The Month – April 2020: NFL + Amazon, Microsoft + NBA, And More…
May 6, 2020
Here is iSportconnect’s Deals Of The Month update for April, powered by Connexi. Rory Stewart-Richardson, Founder of Connexi, has taken a closer look at the four key deals from this month.
NFL + Amazon
Another wake up call for traditional broadcasters – It’s a great way for NFL to test both traditional broadcasters vs tech giants Amazon, to see which delivers the best viewing figures. Also a great way for the NFL to dip their toe in the water with new routes to their fans and, if successfully delivered, like the Premier League in December, it can only continue to build confidence that platforms like Amazon are a great addition to how they broadcast their games. For Amazon, it is an obvious step to bolster their already rapidly growing existing offering!
Microsoft + NBA
Personalisation with fan experience has never been more important – For Microsoft the NBA is a great platform to promote their live and on-demand broadcasts through Microsoft Azure, in return delivering an exciting tech driven personalised experience for NBA fans. You would hope that the data and consumer behaviour that they can access will make the NBA even more desirable for brands looking to enter the world of basketball, on a global or local level.
Twitch + ESL / Dreamhack
Another strong play by Amazon in the world of sports and esports. An interesting angle to have non-exclusive rights merging into exclusivity for English-language rights between 2021 and 2022, but one that gives both parties flexibility in proving the value of the partnership. I believe it is a very powerful partnership for Esports fans, continuing to strengthen Twitch’s content offerings for fans and the wider Esports community.
BMW + Fnatic
A strong move from BMW to grow their Esports strategy in such a large way having entered the space in 2017. A partnership based on shared values accompanied by being market leaders in their field, it seems a great fit for BMW to showcase its innovation to younger audiences through highly engaging content across Fnatic’s channels.
For me the exciting thing about all of these partnerships is the level of richer data that can be collected compared to traditional broadcasters, allowing rights holders to teach brands more about the brands customers behaviour, whilst allowing rights holders to learn more about their own fans, making their offering more attractive to monetise.
Other Notable Deals During April
Zwift + Global Cycling Network, Eurosport
Sportradar + PlaySight, Tennis Channel
Sports Illustrated + Dugout
AC Milan + ROInvesting
Douyin + LaLiga
Facebook + Jio
Bianchi + Giro D’Italia
Formula E + UNICEF
Chinese Basketball Association + Migu
Aser Ventures + Corrum Capital
New England Patriots + Fanatics
UCI + UN Climate Action
Inter Miami CF + CBS Miami
Ironman + Rouvy, Technogym
Stream AMG + Wolves
Esports World Governing Body + Asian Esports Federation
FC St Pauli + Congstar