October 10 – Brazil’s top league, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, has agreed a $150 million international streaming deal with sports tech startup Fanfoot which will launch its OTT platform in 2019.
Fanfoot is a joint venture between FanHero, an Orlando-based social video technology company, and BR Foot Sports Media, a Brazilian sports rights and management firm. The platform will combine the live streaming of games with social interaction between fans.
The social features that will sit alongside the live streaming broadcast will include built-in live chat communication, newsfeeds, and other social elements to drive fan interaction.
“We are offering soccer fans and leagues a one-stop-shop for building community and enjoying one of the world’s most beloved sports,” said Humberto Farias, a partner at Fanfoot, in a press release. “Our vision is to be the Netflix of soccer for all leagues in the sport to use the platform and create a compelling experience for new and veteran fans alike, whether it is during a game or in the off-season.”
Fanfoot describes itself as the “world’s first football social OTT, bringing together a distinct integration of disruptive technology with the highest-quality content.”
Games will be live streamed in HD, and Fanfoot says it will include unique content, playbacks, picture-in-picture viewing, and gamification allowing fans to compete for leaderboard spots and special rewards.
“We are thrilled to launch with a top ten league that is followed closely by soccer fans from around the world and who is able to embrace this opportunity with us,” said Farias.
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