Will this become the ‘Netflix of sports’? – CNBC

Sports media company Perform Group is taking steps to launch a livestreaming sports service, saying it is positioning itself to become the “Netflix of sports.”

The yet-to-be named subscription product, which will launch in 2016, is an over-the-top service that will allow users in Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Austria to livestream sports games and original content from teams around the world for about $10 a month.

“The focus is on making it very simple for users to subscribe and watch, independent of the time of day,” said CEO Juan Delgado.

Perform Group has already secured rights from major international soccer leagues including La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1, as well as the NFL. It will also produce in-studio shows hosted by former sports stars. Delgado said it assured minimum revenue guarantees to rights holders and will split revenue based on usage after minimum commitments are met to cover overhead costs on technology and marketing.

Delgado said it was particularly interested in Germany because its main sports media provider, Sky Germany, had a low penetration level in households. In Japan’s case, he said citizens are hard-pressed to find one cable or satellite company that can provide access to multiple sports leagues.

The company plans to add more leagues and markets in 2017. Delgado did not rule out the possibility of offering the service domestically in the future.

“Once we prove our ability to launch a service and acquire a user base very similar to how Netflix has rolled out in a few years, we will be seeking similar opportunities elsewhere,” Delgado said.