The Players’ Tribune, a digital content platform developed by athletes for athletes, has today (Thursday) announced plans to expand into Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
TPT, which seeks to connect athletes with fans through storytelling, has successfully built its foundation in the US and will now seek to raise its global profile.
TPT will officially launch in the EMEA region this spring with comprehensive, multi-lingual content in the build-up to football’s Fifa World Cup in Russia this summer.
The platform will feature original and athlete-generated programming, with an emphasis to be placed on video content. The platform will also seek to redefine the live sports experience through the lens of the athlete.
TPT will have offices in London and Barcelona, and will launch its new venture in partnership with Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué and his investment group Kosmos.
Other athlete launch partners include footballers Dani Alves, Ronaldinho, Thibaut Courtois, David Villa, Ivan Rakitić and Thiago Alcântara; basketball players Marc and Pau Gasol; motor-racing driver Carmen Jordá; tennis star Tomáš Berdych and mixed martial artist Stipe Miocic.
Piqué (pictured), who plays for LaLiga club Barcelona and the Spanish national team, said: “On behalf of athletes worldwide, I can undeniably say there has never been a bigger need for a platform like The Players’ Tribune.
“There are so many things that happen in our lives and careers, away from the media spotlight and beyond what is reported in the news. The Players’ Tribune gives us a chance to share our voice, our emotions and our perspective – things that simply cannot be found anywhere else on the internet. I am excited to work with The Players’ Tribune to further connect with fans.”
TPT, co-founded by New York Yankees baseball legend Derek Jeter, launched in 2014 and has since shared personal stories and important issues from a range of sportspeople and teams.
TPT chief executive Jeff Levick added: “In just three years, we have become a premier global brand for engaging and authentic content that transcends sport. We aim to be the unequivocal global leader in athlete-generated content, across all platforms and in conjunction with strategic partners. We are thrilled to partner with Gerard – he is passionate about building this company and developing a global roadmap for The Players’ Tribune.”