BT and Sky released this week a channel sharing deal. This is a clear defensive move against new online giants like Amazon or Google securing Premier League rights. Both the Premier League and the clubs are keen to see the digital players enter the broadcast rights. Not only will this allow for the price to significantly increase but so will the digital reach. This would increase global audience engagement with the sport. One thing is for sure Sky is going to need to do more to fight off competition from online streaming services over the coming years. Otherwise they will be seeing a significant drop in revenue and viewing figures.
'BT and Sky go on the defensive as digital players consider sports rights market move'#EPL📈
Monetisation💰
OTT📲📑https://t.co/IAeLY5IVbV pic.twitter.com/axCz3c4AuB
— iSportConnect (@iSportconnect) December 21, 2017
2017 has seen a real change of focus from publishers in the type of content they are producing. Websites have had to become a little more creative with the content they release to an online football audience. This year has arguably seen the biggest shakeup within this industry in years and the return of fan opinion blogs and features has been welcomed with open arms. Publishers are also creating their own content off the back of fan engagement tools like polls and are therefore gauging necessary opinion from their respective audiences. The transition from former tired content practices, for the more dynamic and richer content, is for the greater good and in 2018 it will see the best content creators cash in, as brands continually look to target a football audience.
Why 2017 has seen a real change of focus from football publishers to meet audience needs. #football #publishing #WednesdayWisdom https://t.co/XlFPIzQwH9
— Snack Media (@snackmedia) December 20, 2017
EA Sports has seen a substantial growth this year with more companies and sports teams getting behind the league and games than ever before. On Monday, EA Sports, along with Adidas, announced “Digital Fourth Kits” for four of European football’s most prominent football clubs. Many teams now have more than two football kits, these often launch via spectacular events throughout the summer. The four Adidas-sponsored clubs who have been announced as taking part in the EA Sports initiative include Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus. Both the clubs and brands involved hope fans get behind the campaign on FIFA 18.
.@EASPORTSFIFA and @adidasfootball give four top clubs chance to reach fans on #FIFA18 ▶️ https://t.co/Ynpnp9HaWY#digisport #sportsbiz pic.twitter.com/zFXo9MWM5t
— Digital Sport (@DigitalSportUK) December 19, 2017
Wersm reported this week on Twitters announcement that it has updated its Direct Message feature for businesses. As a way for brands and developers to offer better customer service for users. Some of the new features include read receipts and typing indicators as well as custom welcome messages on Direct Message Cards. Twitter hopes that through these innovations business can build better relationships with customers on the platform.
