Sports Illustrated’s subscription streaming service SI TV will begin airing Liverpool FC matches on delay, reports Digiday.
The deal gives Sports Illustrated’s new service – which costs $5 (€4) a month – a potentially appealing block of programming, while helping Liverpool increase its footprint in the US. It also provides a cheaper opportunity for US-based Liverpool fans to watch games.
Replays of Liverpool matches in all competitions will be part of the deal as well as original content.
Under Premier League rules, NBC – the league rights-holder in the US – has exclusive airing rights for seven hours after the completion of a match. This means SI TV will have to wait until late on matchdays or the following day to offer the replays.
The deal runs until the end of this campaign and both sides have an option for next season. SI TV is in active conversations with other football teams, as well as teams in other sports, for similar arrangements.