Youtube soon to be a live sports channel
Google wants to expand the offering of its video subsidiary YouTube to include live streaming of various sports disciplines. The technology giant has already had good experience with cricket matches from the Indian Premier League.
According to Bloomberg, the portal generated over 55 million visits from 250 countries. Now, sports with an even greater broad appeal, mainly in the U.S., such as basketball and ice hockey, are to follow. Google did not want to confirm whether the Bundesliga will soon be shown live on YouTube when asked by Pressetext. Even if there are ongoing talks, they will not be commented on, it said. An agreement with top European leagues on live streaming on the video platform would probably depend primarily on the broadcast licenses, which are not exactly cheap. However, two Google executives are quoted as saying that the web company is also in negotiations with other professional sports leagues such as the NBA and the NHL. They, too, are earning handsomely from the rights to live broadcasts.
As early as the second half of this year, Youtube plans to show more live sports, says Google's Director of Content Partnerships Asia Pacific, Gautam Anand. In addition to Indian cricket matches, the portal also streams Japanese Major League Baseball, for example. However, there is also no confirmation from the NHL about possible negotiations. In a statement, however, the NBA expressed its delight that YouTube has recognized the value of live sports.
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