By Paul Nicholson
November 10 – Amazon and Manchester City have now officially announced a ‘multi-part’ documentary series that will go behind the scenes at the club and will air exclusively on Prime Video next year across 200 territories worldwide.
News of the series was leaked two weeks ago amid rumours that rights issues with live broadcasters – in particular Sky in the UK – who also commit to non-live programming, were being infringed.
Amazon, as an OTT broadcaster, seems to have overcome any rights issues but whether there is a knock-on effect long term on prices broadcasters are prepared for exclusive live rights remains to be seen.
Other clubs have turned to OTT broadcast platforms to open up new content streams and sales. Facebook have launched their new Watch platform with a Real Madrid docuseries on the menu, while Netflix have hooked up with Juventus for a series.
Barcelona have also launched a weekly behind-the-scenes TV series, InsideBarca, with US streaming service Verizon go90.
“This new Amazon Prime Original series will give Prime members extraordinary insight into Manchester City, the top English Premier League Football team and one of the most exciting and respected teams globally,” said Heather Schuster, Head of Unscripted, Amazon Originals. “The story behind the coaches and players is fascinating and we are very excited to work with the Manchester City team to deliver an exclusive all access experience to our Prime members.”
The Man City series is Prime Video’s first step into football but not into sports. Amazon Original sports entertainment shows include The Grand Tour, two series of All Or Nothing which follows the Arizona Cardinals and The Los Angeles Rams over an NFL season, New Zealand All Blacks, McLaren F1, and live streaming of NFL Thursday Night Football and the ATP Next Gen Finals.
The series will include content from the club’s training ground, as they travel, and follow players, as well accessing executive meetings.
“Amazon Prime Video is the perfect home for a ground-breaking project that will offer a unique and authentic inside view into Manchester City’s season like never before. This is an extremely exciting time for Manchester City and through Amazon’s world-class service, we will be able to share it with football fans all over the world,” said club CEO Ferran Soriano.
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