A new entrant is announced on the streaming market! The Axel-Springer-Verlag provides initial information on its new joint project with ex-DFL managing director Christian Seifert.
The long-time managing director of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, Christian Seifert, and “Axel Springer”* are jointly developing a streaming platform for league competitions and outstanding individual sports events tailored to the German market. The start is planned for autumn 2023.
These sports should be seen
The aim of the joint venture is to create a new media home for millions of German sports fans who are enthusiastic about leagues and sports beyond football. To this end, the audiovisual rights of attractive leagues and sporting events are to be bundled in one media offering for the first time. With high-quality production standards and intensive marketing support, the new streaming portal wants to significantly increase the perception and appreciation of sports such as handball, basketball and ice hockey. The offer is aimed directly at the end customer, but should also be available via platforms that are already available on the market.
Name not fixed yet
The founder of the start-up is Christian Seifert. Axel Springer has acquired a majority stake in the new company. Seifert continues to hold a significant stake and acts as managing partner. A CEO and COO will complete the top management. The brand name of the planned OTT service will be announced later this year.
That’s what those involved say about the new sports streaming service
Christian Seifert sees a large market for his venture: “Germany is a sports-loving nation in which millions of fans are also interested in sports other than football. We want to offer this large sports community a new home with our streaming portal. To this end, we will make attractive cooperation offers to numerous leagues and associations. Axel Springer has always been close to sport and is the perfect partner for this ambitious venture thanks to its experience in implementing complex digital projects and its great strength in marketing and sales.”
Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer SE, confirms Seifert’s statement: “Sport belongs to Axel Springer. And it is in this area that we have stated that we want to continue to invest and grow. We are now bundling the strengths of Axel Springer as a media and technology company with the outstanding experience and proven expertise of Christian Seifert. With our joint media company, we can offer our future partners a unique platform.”
*TECHBOOK.de is part of the Axel Springer publishing house
source
- Press release from Axel Springer