The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has hailed a “landmark” commercial partnership with video-sharing platform YouTube, which will provide live streaming of the upcoming Hockey World League Finals.
Through the partnership for the national team competitions, the FIH said fans in countries without broadcast agreements will be able to access matches via a pay-per-view YouTube system.
YouTube will work as a primary distribution platform in participating nations’ markets where digital consumption has proven to be the primary method for consuming sport, and as a secondary platform giving fans access to matches not being shown by their local broadcaster.
The FIH said it has been “working hard” to boost the reach of hockey in cooperation with Indian pay-television broadcaster Star Sports, an official media partner.
FIH television and broadcast director, Andy Oram, said: “YouTube is a valuable addition to our existing partners and provides FIH with the opportunity to reach a global audience, attracting a new generation of fans to the sport through a wide range of devices that hockey can now be viewed on.
“Through our host broadcasters Sky Sport New Zealand and Star Sports, supported by our growing list of broadcast partners, fans can expect to experience world class production and programming that they have come to expect from our top level events. This will bring fans closer to the action as we aim to engage them in our sport long term.”
The 2017 Women’s Hockey World League Final takes place in Auckland, New Zealand from November 17-26, with the men’s event following in Bhubaneswar, India from December 1-10.
The YouTube agreement will supplement coverage being provided to over 150 countries through existing broadcast partners.