On Tuesday, FIH announced its new streaming partner for Watch.Hockey—Endeavor Streaming. Based in New York, Endeavor Streaming specializes in digital video distribution and streaming. Under a five-year agreement, the partnership aims to enhance fan experience and boost digital engagement for hockey.
Watch.Hockey will relaunch on 28th May, promising fans a fresh, improved streaming experience.
What Endeavor Streaming Will Do?
As part of the agreement, Endeavor Streaming will:
- Develop FIH’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategy for long-term digital growth.
- Improve FIH’s content engagement through business advisory and audience development.
- Handle technical deployment, content operations, and customer service.
- Power Watch.Hockey using its Vesper Platform, an end-to-end streaming solution.
- Help teams, leagues, and federations create profitable D2C streaming experiences.
Watch.Hockey will now stream over 600 live and on-demand events, accessible across multiple platforms, including web, smart TVs, iOS, and Android devices.
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Who is Endeavor Streaming?
Founded in 2019, Endeavor Streaming operates as a direct-to-consumer streaming unit. It manages front-end and back-end operations for major sports leagues and media companies. Key clients include the NFL, NBA, UEFA, and TNA.
The Vesper Platform specializes in distributing premium sports content, delivering seamless live and on-demand experiences for fans.
FIH’s Troubled History with Streaming
FIH’s previous streaming ventures failed to meet expectations, offering little return on investment and frustrating fans.
In 2019, FIH partnered with MyCujoo to launch FIH Live, its first streaming platform. However, frequent technical issues disrupted broadcasts, leading to widespread complaints. Fans found the platform unreliable, with many branding it “annoying” due to constant buffering and service interruptions.
As a result, FIH terminated its contract with MyCujoo early.
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In September 2020, FIH signed a 10-year deal with NAGRA to launch Watch.Hockey. Unfortunately, this platform suffered from similar technical problems, frustrating fans yet again. Persistent streaming disruptions led to a poor user experience, forcing FIH to cancel the long-term deal prematurely.
A Fresh Start for Hockey Fans?
Over the years, FIH has struggled to deliver a stable streaming platform. Fans have grown frustrated with unreliable services and broken promises. With Endeavor Streaming now on board, there is renewed hope for a better and more consistent viewing experience.
Will this be third time lucky for FIH? Hockey fans will be watching closely.
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(The article has been updated to add the launch date of Watch.Hockey)
