IMG to debut OTT football service in Scandinavia

The IMG agency has said it will launch its first direct to consumer football OTT channel in Scandinavia.

Entitled Strive, the new platform will be available in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. It will initially showcase LaLiga and Serie A, the top divisions of Spanish and Italian club football, with plans to add more “high-profile” leagues in the future.

IMG has said Strive will launch ahead of the start of the new LaLiga and Serie A seasons on August 17. It will show every match from the two leagues, as well as highlights, magazine shows and original content.

Strive will be streamed online via computer, laptop, tablet and mobile and via Apps on iOS and Android devices to include Chromecast and Apple airplay; with plans to extend the platform availability before the end of the year.

The channel initially launches with a seven-day free trial before costing SEK79 (€8/$9) per month or SEK499 annually. IMG said there are also plans to produce a 24/7 linear channel.

Chris Catling, senior vice-president for OTT at IMG Media, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity in a digitally mature and well-connected market with some outstanding content. We are excited about building the Strive brand and providing great football at a very competitive price in the Scandinavian market.”