Online live streaming service Twitch has taken another step towards integrating traditional sports into its platform by launching its own dedicated content channel, TwitchSports.
The service has already secured a variety of organisations for its channel, including signing strategic partnerships with Real Madrid, Arsenal, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain to provide exclusive content on the Amazon-owned platform.
Additionally the UFC, NBA, NHL, MLB and more will expand their own content to be put on to Twitch’s new project.
Initially, behind-the-scenes and interactive content is expected to be used with an emphasis being put on providing interactive viewing experiences on the channel. However, through its recent deal with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as an exclusive broadcast partner, live sports games are expected to be broadcast on the channel.
The move to have a specific sports channel, along with a sports genre on the service, highlights the growing influence of streaming services in the industry. Despite being primarily an esports and gaming platform, Twitch has slowly seen personalities such as Lando Norris and various sporting organisations create channels in order to tap into a majority young demographic.
Twitch has also recently enhanced this by announcing that Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille will broadcast two friendly matches on the platform, being the first french side to do so. Additionally though its parent company Amazon the service also simulcast four Premier League matches as part of the competition’s restart from June.
The launch of the channel, which officially started yesterday, saw the likes of the NBA, Arsenal, House of Highlights and the UFC being featured on the broadcast, with each firm being allocated a two-hour time slot to release interactive content. Moreover, TwitchSports allows its users to interact with the stream by following the specific channel which is broadcasting.
Insider Insight: Twitch has slowly interested itself into the traditional sports industry and the move to make a dedicated channel certainly shows the platform intends to continue that development. The channel will not only provide sports fans with a variety of content but it will also bring a potentially younger demographic to Twitch’s sports partners such as Arsenal, UFC, NBA and the NWSL.
