A new TV deal, linked in with a new streaming deal, but why aren’t National League fans happy? Well, if you go by the ‘statement’ released by the league then you knew no more than you did before you read it.
Why on earth they released that is beyond me because all it did across social media was to have people moaning and complaining about it moving, behind a paywall and suchlike, more gripes than anything positive you could see.
I can’t blame anyone, that was until I picked up the Non League Paper who had a full in depth interview with DAZN representatives and Mark Ives the National League General Manager so why wasn’t there a better detailed statement with some meat on the bones?
So, let’s take a good look at what I think it means. I do have some reservations which would only be put to bed when the service kicks off and the teething troubles alleviate themselves because there are bound to be a few.
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I’ll be honest we loved the BT/TNT coverage didn’t we?. The commentators and their co-speakers knew their stuff, the pundits and the presenters were well invested in it but TV deals move, leagues go where the money is at any level.
It is a huge shame that it seems none of the team nor pundits are moving over, no doubt they have good contracts where they are, understandable but they will take some replacing.
My opinion and this is mine only, I believe having partnered with the Premier League the National League wanted more money that they felt they were worth. Whether that is true or not I don’t know, maybe TNT didn’t offer enough.
Maybe they didn’t want to continue the partnership of the streaming platform considering they provided the equipment and framework, there is very little to go on. Maybe the PL encouraged the NL to seek what they think their product is worth, again we just don’t know. Did TNT decide the partnership was it for now at it’s fruitful end? Lots more questions than answers!
The NLP interview was far more informative. A seven year deal does seem pretty long for non-league football, however the long term investment would seem to suggest that DAZN are expecting to see a big period of growth, the National League saying it’s a bigger and better deal than a stand alone broadcast deal, although no mention of what clubs could expect to receive as payments.
As you might know DAZN are big in live boxing across the UK, have international streaming for the NFL and other deals across the European Leagues.
The service will be available not just on the DAZN app, also on Sky Q and Virgin Media. A dedicated area on the app for National League content is new, a highlights show that quite frankly BT and TNT produced when they could be bothered which wasn’t very often.
If they do add interviews, news and stats on club areas then they are putting more out there than the previous broadcasters managed. The kick off times for live games remain the same, it does mention that one game per week for all three divisions will be moved for coverage, at least that’s how I’ve read it, how that will work with only two chosen kick off times remains to be seen.
The pricing structure is yet unclear, although it was announced similar to NLTV you can purchase by season, monthly or day pass. The quicker that comes out the better so people can then make their own judgement on it.
One area of concern is the five week target to change a game. There are many supporters out there who would have booked train tickets and other travel well in advance. TV is never mindful of this when it comes to fans, to mess too much with the National League fixtures on this might bite on the bum.
That I would expect to improve through the season as they get their feet under the table and understand what it is they have on their hands if the fans don’t come first it’s very hard to get them back onside.
There is a commitment to showing all the play off games which I take as including the eliminators all the way to the finals, more coverage and more money for those clubs involved. Last season the attendances were second to none and can only improve this year too.
I wasn’t surprised to see the NL wanting to do the streaming side differently. Let’s all be honest, it was rushed through at the bequest of Wrexham primarily for their overseas audience and a few others, and it was never going to be the best work for everyone else.
DAZN plan to use multi camera operation, TNT provided clubs with one main camera and charged for use of any more away from live broadcasts. It has the tools to be a roaring success, many have reservations and understandably so, TNT have been the partner for 10 years and you knew what you were getting.
Some of the reviews of their NFL coverage is mixed to say the least, but you never please everyone all of the time, and until the season begins and they’re up and running surely time to reserve judgement?
The pricing does need to be out there this week, that is key of course to the whole market. Many have grumbled it’s behind a paywall, so it SKY Sports and TNT too, it’s no different.
Yes I understand it’s another subscription but isn’t everything these days? They want you to watch their product, they don’t care what football Sky or TNT show, it’s not their problem. Guaranteed there will be people who had TNT just to watch National League football, it’s a simple swop.
Price it right and it should be a success, if it’s slightly more than you expected well just remember you’re gonna get a heck of a lot more offered to you than TNT managed on National League football.
