Cricket is one of those sports you either love or hate. There’s very little middle ground. Those who love it are in for a treat over the next few months as the Indian Premier League tournament takes place. And all, for free, on YouTube.
YouTube Progresses
YouTube is becoming much more than it once seemed it would ever be. Already by far the most popular online video destination on the Web, serving one billion videos a day, it’s now turning its attentions to professional content as well as the bread and butter of UGC.
YouTube has already done deals with a number of media companies which have added movies and TV content to the site. Channel 4’s 4oD being a prime example. Sporting events are also now being added to the roster.
Indian Premier League Deal
Google has announced a deal with the IPL which will see all 60 matches in the 45-day Indian Premier League cricket tournament broadcast on YouTube.
This is a big deal, as the Indian Premier League is the largest cricket tournament in the world, expected to generate $1.6 billion over the next ten years.
The deal sees YouTube showing the whole tournament in every country around the world with the exception of the United States. This is explained because “re-broadcast options will be available,” in the U.S. I can’t see too many Americans being bother though as cricket isn’t exactly a big deal in the States.
Advertising Revenue
Google and the IPL will share advertising revenue. But Google India clearly has big plans for this event and the sponsors it will likely attract, saying:
“The advertising options on YouTube will be available only for a limited number of sponsors over the course of the season. Companies will have the opportunity to sponsor live streamed matches, match re-broadcasts, and ongoing viewership of clips and highlights. Advertisers will be able to advertise on the YouTube homepage, the live stream page, video ads during the match itself amongst several other innovative formats.”
This is the first live sporting event to be broadcast on YouTube, and I’m wondering how much money Google has paid to secure these almost-worldwide rights.
Conclusions
Although YouTube carried coverage of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, it was only available to watch in countries not covered by television deals. And even in those countries, it was only highlight reels and daily wrap-ups.
This is something much bigger and much more telling for where Google wants to take YouTube in the future.
