Premier League to launch streaming platform in Singapore next season – and it could be ‘replicated around the world’

The Premier League is set to launch its first direct-to-consumer streaming platform in Singapore next season, with ambitions for global replication if the initial venture proves successful.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters announced the project on Thursday, confirming long-standing rumours of a ‘Premflix’-style service for at least one territory.

Masters stated the service would be branded as Premier League Plus, adding that the league would be closely monitoring its success to determine future expansion.

This marks a significant departure for the Premier League, which has historically sold its broadcasting rights to independent partners like Sky Sports in England and NBC in the United States.

It will coincide with the opening of a new Premier League Studios production hub in Olympia in London.

Masters officially announced the news at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London on Thursday.

“We’re going (direct) to consumer in Singapore. It’s a very long, considered process, carefully chosen,” he said.

“So from next season, Premier League Plus, rather than Premflix – we’ve rebranded it finally – is going to happen.

“For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. It’s going to have to deal with promotion, pricing, churn, distribution, all of those things, we’re looking to build a business.

“We’re also looking to learn, to see how that might be replicated all around the world.

“What we do with Premier League Plus in Singapore is really about learning as well as building the business. If it goes well, it may be replicated. You don’t want to predict further than that I think at this stage.”

The Premier League’s move follows other major sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball in North America, in going direct to consumer.

Elsewhere at the Summit, PFA chief Maheta Molango has warned against fixture congestion, stating fans deserve to see stars performing at their best.

"It’s really important that we that we discover the value of scarcity,” he said.