YouTube has introduced a video-on-demand (VOD) streaming service for sports fanatics in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
According to the video-sharing Web site, users can now stream an array of sporting games on its platform, including basketball, rugby, cricket and football events such as the 2019 NBA Finals, Women’s World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations, UEFA Champions and Europa leagues, Absa Premier League and La Liga.
"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 on YouTube," says YouTube content partnerships lead Dayo Olopade.
"In 2018, we saw a 70% increase of views in sports and fitness content on YouTube across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with content garnering more than 61 billion views.”
Around 71% of viewers said the video-sharing platform has sports and fitness content they cannot find anywhere else, says YouTube.
“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."
YouTube has also introduced sports membership channels, where sports and fitness content users can support content creators by donating R39.99 per month.
Last month, VOD service Showmax introduced its live streaming sports service, at no additional cost.
“We’re going to trial a bunch of different sport content while keeping Showmax at the R99 price point, and see how our customers interact with the service,” noted Niclas Ekdahl, CEO of MultiChoice Connected Video, during the launch.
In March, YouTube launched its new music streaming service YouTube Music in SA, offering users music videos, official albums, singles, remixes and live performances.
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