Viaplay looking at acquisition of Premier Sports

Nordic and international streamer Viaplay is reportedly in talks to acquire Premier Sports, a move that would give it access to additional rights as it plans its entry into the UK market.

According to Bloomberg, which reported the news, the Sweden-based streaming outfit could strike deal before the end of this month, citing an unnamed source.

Viaplay plans to launch its streaming service in the UK in the second half of this year, leaning, as it has in other international markets such as the Netherlands, on sport to give it momentum.

For the UK, Viaplay already holds rights to a range of niche sports including NHL ice hockey and KSW mixed martial arts. It has also secured the UK rights to show matches played by the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football teams in the runup to the World Cup and European tournaments.

Premier Sports holds rights to live Scottish football, Spain’s LaLiga and Rugby League, among others.

The group broadcasts through pay TV platforms Virgin Medi aand Sky and via its own app.

Viaplay is currently available in 10 European countries and the US, with launches planned for Canada, Germany, Austria and Swtizerland this year, as well as the UK