Calling all sports aficionados, players and of course, coaches — on Tuesday, 2 July 2019, YouTube released a statement sharing its plans to launch ‘live-streaming’ and video-on-demand services covering a number of major African sporting events.
This well-received innovation came after the content giant announced its partnership with NBA Africa whereby users will have access to live or on-demand streaming of basketball, rugby, cricket, and football events.
However, it’s important to highlight that one day after the original announcement, YouTube has again released a statement retracting the ‘live-streaming’ service. And has since said that the sports content will instead be available as highlight or video-on-demand.
As for the content set to become available, YouTube said sports fans will be able to view the 2019 NBA Finals, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), UEFA Champions and Europa leagues, ABSA Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A.
“It goes without saying that Africa is a sport-loving continent, so it makes perfect sense for us to bring African sports fans what they love. Our audience is constantly looking for sports content,” says YouTube content partnerships lead Dayo Olopade.
“In 2018, we saw a 70 per cent increase of views in Sports & Fitness content across Europe, the Middle East and Africa with content garnering more than 61 billion views. Today we are here to say we hear you and we are more than happy to bring you the content you desire, in partnership with NBA Africa and our other partners.”
By Jenna Cook
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