English Premier League Creates Netflix-Style Streaming Service Starting in Singapore

England's Premier League will debut its own direct-to-consumer streaming service called Premier League Plus beginning next season in Singapore. The platform represents the first time the world's most popular soccer league will serve customers directly rather than selling broadcast rights to other networks.

LONDON (AP) — England’s top soccer league will debut its own subscription streaming service beginning with the upcoming season, according to an announcement Thursday from Premier League CEO Richard Masters.

The new service, dubbed Premier League Plus, will initially roll out in Singapore as a test market, with potential for worldwide expansion if the venture proves successful.

Speaking at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London, Masters described the initiative as “a very long, considered process, carefully chosen.” He explained that “For the first time the Premier League is going to have its own customers. It’s going to have to deal with promotion, pricing, churn, distribution, all of those things, we’re looking to build a business.”

Masters added: “We’re also looking to learn, to see how that might be replicated all around the world.”

This direct-to-consumer approach represents a significant shift for the league, which boasts 1.87 billion viewers globally across 189 countries. Previously, the organization has exclusively licensed its content to external broadcasters like Sky Sports in Britain and NBC in America.

Industry observers have long speculated about a potential “Premflix” service from the league, and the Singapore launch appears to fulfill those predictions.

The league is simultaneously establishing Premier League Studios, a new production facility in London to support content creation.

Regarding expansion plans, Masters emphasized a cautious approach: “What we do with Premier League Plus in Singapore is really about learning as well as building the business. If it goes well, it may be replicated. You don’t want to predict further than that I think at this stage.”

The streaming platform could fundamentally change how supporters worldwide access matches from what many consider the globe’s premier soccer competition.