Sports bettor's streaming platform, FanDuel TV Extra, launched in the United States, now available at no cost for users
FanDuel TV Extra Enters the Free Sports Streaming Market
FanDuel, the popular sports betting platform, has launched a new free streaming channel named FanDuel TV Extra. The channel aims to provide expert analyses, player interviews, and special show formats for sports betting enthusiasts.
Unlike traditional sports broadcasters, FanDuel TV Extra is not seeking to exploit the reach of a well-known channel like ESPN. Instead, it's expanding its streaming and TV content, with a focus on niche sports and events.
The channel has secured a rights package that includes broadcasting rights for games in the German Basketball Bundesliga, international basketball leagues, horse racing, football from the South Korean K-League, and poker events. Over 12 hours of airtime is planned daily for FanDuel TV Extra.
However, FanDuel TV Extra does not offer its services to German users, displaying a message that the offer is exclusive to the USA. This move could be seen as a challenge to ESPN, according to industry magazine iGaming Business.
In contrast, ESPN remains a dominant force in the sports streaming market. With established flagship programming, extensive rights to major sports leagues, and a broad multichannel presence, ESPN offers NFL, MLB, and major sports content under paid subscription models. These services include ESPN's full network feeds and regional sports outlets.
While FanDuel TV Extra offers a distinctive live sports streaming alternative that reaches viewers through several popular free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) platforms, it does not currently match ESPN's scale, marquee sports rights, or subscription-based premium service model. Therefore, rather than a direct challenge to ESPN's core market of premium sports streaming, FanDuel TV Extra appears to serve as a complementary or alternative FAST sports channel focusing on high-volume live sports coverage across niche and emerging sports markets.
A survey by YouGov found that 63% of respondents said they would be more likely to place sports bets while live streaming sports events if a provider offered the opportunity. FanDuel TV, the company's US-based TV channel, has been operational since September 2022.
The situation with broadcasting rights internationally is also complex, with various pay-TV and streaming providers contending for rights. In Germany, a coalition against sports betting advertising opposes the advertising of bookmakers during sports broadcasts or in stadiums.
FanDuel, however, does not have a German license, excluding German sports bettors from the new offers. The advertising of sports betting providers is also financed in Germany, in addition to subscription costs, for some pay-TV and streaming providers.
In summary, FanDuel TV Extra is expanding FanDuel's footprint in sports streaming but is not yet a direct competitor to ESPN's premium sports streaming services in terms of content breadth, marquee sports rights, or business model.
What technology does FanDuel TV Extra utilize for its free sports streaming service?The channel leverages the latest streaming technology to provide sports enthusiasts with an immersive viewing experience.
Could FanDuel TV Extra potentially utilize technology to enhance its betting services in the future?Given the company's roots in sports betting, it's possible that FanDuel TV Extra could incorporate advanced betting technology to offer more interactive and engaging experiences for its users in the future.
