PERFORM in Al Jazeera deal

Broadcaster Al Jazeera’s sports division, Al Jazeera Sport, and digital sports provider PERFORM have launched a live sport streaming service at Aljazeerasport.tv that will see Al Jazeera Sports TV channels as well as it entire comprehensive rights portfolio, of over 13 000 live events per annum, made available over internet and mobile services.

PERFORM, who have built the platform, will use its access to global sports events to add an additional 3 000 live events to Al Jazeera Sports rights portfolio maximising the available offering.

Nasser al Khelaifi, general manager of Al Jazeera Sport said: “Al Jazeera Sport has built the most extensive set of sports channels in the world and we are pleased to take our service to another level with the launch of ALJAZEERASPORT.TV. Digital is expanding rapidly across the MENA region and throughout the world and these platforms will allow sports fans to watch every match we own, whenever and wherever they want.”

Simon Denyer, joint chief executive officer, PERFORM commented: “The sheer scale of ambition and sports rights that Al Jazeera Sport has makes this the most exciting multi-sports streaming project we have ever seen and we are delighted to partner with Al Jazeera Sport. Our own expertise, technology and access to content will help Al Jazeera Sport’s ambition in this exciting new area.”

The service, launched this week over the web and as an iPad application, will cost sports fans in the Middle Eastern and North African region (MENA) $50 per annum or $10 per month following a free one month trial.

Mobile applications optimised for iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Nokia will also be available.