UK pay-television broadcaster BT Sport has acquired the live television rights to Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand’s testimonial match and has agreed a “groundbreaking” streaming partnership for the game with digital media company Streamworks International.
BT said the game between English Premier League champion United and Spanish Liga club Sevilla at Old Trafford on August 9 could be one of the most-watched testimonials ever, courtesy of Streamworks’ global streaming operation which will make the live action available at www.riotestimonial.com in as many as 170 countries. In the UK, the streaming will be provided free-of-charge.
Ferdinand, 34, has previously signed a three-year deal with BT Sport to support the channels as an interviewer, programme-maker and football expert. He will also act as an ambassador for the telecommunications company.
Simon Green, head of BT Sport, said: “To mark this special occasion, we’ve put together a groundbreaking plan to help make this game available to millions of fans across the globe, and it is something of a technology first for a game to be streamed live on this scale.”