Viaplay, the Nordic streaming service which is set to launch in the UK later this year, has signed “long-term exclusive UK rights” to several sports contests.
The sporting events will stream alongside the service’s library of original and acquired local and international series, films, and documentaries
Owned by the NENT Group – the world’s leading producer of Nordic series – the service is set to launch in the UK in the second half of 2022 ahead of a wider international roll-out which will include Canada, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Viaplay is already available in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland and aims to reach the 12 million subscriber mark by the end of 2025.
Sports coming to UK viewers include:
- IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship: 2024 to 2028
- Champions Hockey League: 2023/2024 to 2027/2028
- ISU figure skating and speed skating: 2023 to 2028 (ISU World Figure Skating Championships from 2024)
- EHF European Handball Championship, EHF Champions League and EHF European League (men and women): 2022 to 2030
- CEV EuroVolley, CEV Champions League, CEV EuroBeachVolley and additional CEV volleyball competitions: 2022 to 2026
- World Athletics Continental Tour Gold: 2023 to 2029
- World Athletics Indoor Tour: 2023
- FIS snowboard and freestyle: 2022-2026 (non-exclusive).
Anders Jensen, NENT Group President and CEO, said: “We have high ambitions for Viaplay in every country where we have a broad offering. The UK, with this expanded scope, is no exception.
“Adding sports alongside our premium Nordic content will be a unique proposition for viewers, and our line-up will continue to grow and evolve. This will increase Viaplay’s appeal even further and help us rapidly establish a position in one of the world’s most competitive and exciting streaming markets.”