New streaming service to officially launch in the UK as Premier Sports becomes Viaplay Sports. Sister channel FreeSports will become Viaplay Xtra.
For the streaming service, viewers will be offered two packages: the Films & Series package focused on Nordic storytelling with award-winning Viaplay Originals and curated third-party content, and the Total package that also includes the combined UK sports line-up of Viaplay and UK sports streamer and TV channel operator Premier Sports.
These packages will be priced at £3.99 and £14.99 per month respectively.
The launch could be Viaplay’s toughest yet, as it aims to go head-to-head with Sky Sports and BT Sport/Eurosport to break the current duopoly of sports broadcasting. At the same time, while the TV channels are confirmed as staying on Sky and Virgin, there’s been no deal with either platform so far to include its app.
Viaplay linear channels
- Premier Sports 1 becomes Viaplay Sports 1.
- Premier Sports 2 becomes Viaplay Sports 2.
- FreeSports becomes Viaplay Xtra.
Viewers will continue to be able to receive the above channels on existing distribution partners, e.g. Sky. The channels will continue to broadcast live sports to pubs, clubs and other commercial premises throughout the UK.
Changes to content in the future
Viaplay has reiterated its plans to make longer term changes to its channels. The content offering on all Premier Sports channels will be expanded to include Viaplay’s series and film line-up.
Further details of the series and films available on Viaplay in the UK will be announced shortly.
Which sports will Viaplay UK show?
UK sports fans will be able to follow a broad range of live events on Viaplay, including all European Qualifiers for the UEFA EURO and FIFA World Cup played by the Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland men’s national football teams, along with the UEFA Nations League and friendlies, until 2028.
Viaplay holds a comprehensive portfolio of rights to over 1,000 UEFA international matches from across Europe, including top-ranked teams such as Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.
The broadcaster will also show LaLiga, Scottish Cup, Scottish League Cup and Coppa Italia football; BKT United Rugby Championship, Rugby Football League and TOP 14 rugby; NHL, IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Champions Hockey League and Elite Ice Hockey League; CEV volleyball; KSW mixed martial arts; EHF handball; ISU figure skating and speed skating; World Athletics Continental Tour Gold and Indoor Tour; and much more.
Anders Jensen, Viaplay Group President and CEO:
“Viaplay will offer UK viewers a compelling combination of live sports, world-class drama and superior value for money. We are launching in this dynamic and exciting market with high ambitions and a long-term perspective, and acquiring Premier Sports will significantly accelerate our entry. Viaplay has so much to offer, and local sports fans as well as devotees of premium Nordic and international storytelling can now try our unique service for themselves, starting 1 November.”