Facebook seeking to acquire sports content

Social media platform Facebook has said it has commenced talks over licensing video content in the sports sector.

The Recode website said the talks, which are also centred on scripted shows and game shows, are being led by Ricky Van Veen, Facebook’s head of global creative strategy.

Van Veen said: “Earlier this year, we started rolling out the Video tab, a dedicated place for video on Facebook. Our goal is to kickstart an ecosystem of partner content for the tab, so we're exploring funding some seed video content, including original and licensed scripted, unscripted, and sports content, that takes advantage of mobile and the social interaction unique to Facebook.

“Our goal is to show people what is possible on the platform and learn as we continue to work with video partners around the world.”