“We believe that Google-YouTube can certainly challenge the traditional powers in broadcasting”, he told TV Sports Markets. “Most big media companies have built their media conglomerates around live sports. With broadband, mobile and broadcast mediums merging, and with more and more devices available that can access broadband, I can foresee this catapulting YouTube to being the foremost broadcaster in the world in the years to come. Distribution is the key. Why will a content owner go anywhere else?”
The deal, brokered by Modi and Global Cricket Ventures, owner of the IPL’s worldwide mobile and internet rights, represents some significant ‘firsts’. It is Google’s first major sports-rights acquisition and will be YouTube’s first live sports coverage.
For full analysis of the deal, see the latest issue of TV Sports Markets.