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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN News) |
FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and global interactive live streaming service Twitch have forged a multi-year collaboration that will not only bring more basketball content to the platform, but also enable the two to tailor such content to maximize its impact on the service. Through the collaboration, FIBA will broadcast more than 600 hours of live basketball games on its own Twitch channel as well as other unique programming formats developed to leverage Twitch's interactive tools and features.
Considering that FIBA is one of the few right-holders in global sports to give content creators on Twitch access to official footage, fans are allowed to produce and curate their own FIBA-related content on their own Twitch channels as the federation plans to establish a network of content creators from different parts of the globe to co-stream live games and create their own programming and formats for their online channels. The live games to be streamed on FIBA's Twitch channel and on the channels of its creator's network include all FIBA 3x3 tournaments, EuroLeague Women and select youth basketball tournaments. Additionally, highlights and delayed coverages of FIBA's national team and other club competitions and youth tournaments will be packaged and distributed uniquely for Twitch creators and basketball communities around the world.
The collaboration agreement is part of a wider campaign for Twitch who are looking to inspire a broad base of basketball fans to create user-generated content and deliver 3x3 and basketball events to a new audience. At the same time, it aligns with FIBA's strategic objectives which includes to enlarge the FIBA family and promote women in basketball by expanding global reach, awareness and engagement across key markets. The federation hopes to significantly grow the strong community of basketball lovers on Twitch and establish itself as one of the trailblazers in the global sports scene. The collaboration is set to launch within spring of 2021.
"FIBA is delighted to announce this unique collaboration with Twitch, a live streaming service that is used by millions of people globally each day. This innovative agreement will further strengthen our strategic objective to enlarge the FIBA family by offering year-round basketball action to more fans, on an interactive service," said FIBA Secretary-General Andreas Zagklis. "Twitch is a community of superfans where the most passionate come together to participate in and shape their own entertainment - live," said Damian Burns, SVP EMEA, Twitch. "FIBA is an innovation-driven organization and is passionate about bringing fans together in new interactive ways around livestreaming. This makes FIBA the perfect fit for Twitch. We are excited to see FIBA reach new and existing audiences across the globe with truly innovative content that makes the most of the tools and resources Twitch has to offer."
