The European arm of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC Europe) has appointed Joymo, the Norway-based live sports streaming platform, as its exclusive OTT provider under a five-year deal.
The long-term agreement, confirmed after a “competitive” pitch process, has seen Joymo develop and build a new baseballeurope.tv digital content platform that is now live and will broadcast baseball, softball, and baseball5 major European events globally to subscribers.
WBSC Europe organizes over 20 championships and cups per year, with the vast majority to be streamed on the platform.
More than 700 games will be broadcast in the first year of the Joymo-powered service, which began with the newly-created Baseball European Champions Cup with the opening matches streamed on May 15.
WBSC Europe events will be available with tournament passes available from €14.99 ($16.22), with the option to purchase single games on a pay-per-view basis.
Kruno Karin, WBSC Europe President, said: “This is a significant moment for our sports and WBSC Europe. In order to grow our games, we know that we have to provide more access to quality live content and the partnership with Joymo enables us to do that on a global basis.
“Our investment elevates the production of our events dramatically and creates a true digital home for the sport.”
Mike Emery, chief executive at Joymo, added: “We have worked hand-in-hand with WBSC Europe to develop the baseballeurope.tv platform and we will continue to be a strategic support to ensure high quality streams are delivered, and more fans are reached than ever before, powering the growth of the sport for generations to come.”
Joymo recently partnered with World Archery to develop its Archery+ streaming platform and broadcast the governing body’s marquee events.
The Norwegian firm’s portfolio also includes deals with England Netball, British Basketball, British Weightlifting, Caged Steel, and the English Indoor Bowling Association.