Social media giant Twitter is reportedly in talks with multiple right holders as it looks to expand its live sports coverage.
According to Recode, the company is looking to push on after securing a $10 million deal to broadcast ten NFL games in April.
Twitter is believed to be in talks with the NBA, MLS and cable network Turner about acquiring digital streaming rights for content related to live sports and events.
Coverage could range from actual game footage similar to the aforementioned NFL deal to fringe content -pre- or post-game material – similar to the live interviews and analysis Twitter has streamed throughout Wimbledon.
Due to its lack of subscription fees, however, it is unlikely that Twitter could secure the rights to actual games and matches for these leagues as it lacks profitability.
Whilst still in a purely experimental period, it appears likely that Twitter will have more luck securing full coverage of lower key sports, whilst sticking to pre- and post-game content for the bigger leagues.
At this stage, it is difficult to predict exactly where Twitter will go with this venture, but putting out fringe content on could be a way to build anticipation for the main event without encroaching on the territory of existing rights holders.
Whether they could then push on to be a genuine sports broadcasting competitor – provided they find a suitable monetisation model – remains to be seen.
