W-Sport Secures Nordic Foothold via Samsung TV Plus
W-Sport is pushing further into the Nordic market, leveraging Samsung TV Plus to accelerate its international expansion. Since its July 2021 launch, the network has built a global footprint across Europe, Asia, and Africa, utilizing a hybrid model of FAST platforms and traditional broadcast agreements to distribute its live match coverage and original programming.
Scaling Access Through Strategic Partnerships
The Nordic rollout arrives through a collaboration with the HelloYou FAST platform. By securing a spot on Samsung TV Plus, W-Sport aims to put its portfolio—which includes up to 10 live matches every week—in front of a wider audience. Ramon Zwartkruis, co-founder at HelloYou, stated that the partnership focuses on delivering high-quality, easily accessible content within a clear channel lineup.
This follows a recent push into France and the Netherlands, where the network launched on Amazon Prime Video. In those territories, the channel utilizes a subscription model priced at €1.99 per month, a strategic shift to expand beyond its initial distribution footprint.
A Global Network Built on Diverse Rights
Co-founded by Kelly Butler and Mickey Rourke—who also serves as co-founder and chief executive of the Premier Sports UK and Irish pay-TV channels—the network has secured distribution deals across multiple continents. In Europe, the channel is already available in Portugal through Vodafone, as well as in Belgium, Luxembourg, Turkey, and Lithuania. Internationally, it maintains partners across parts of Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.
Broadcasting Beyond the Soccer Pitch
At the core of the network’s catalog is the Italian Serie A Femminile, one of the premier W-Sport sets of rights. However, the channel’s programming strategy extends well beyond the pitch. Its current roster includes coverage of netball, basketball, athletics, equestrian, surfing, and triathlon.
Comprehensive Production and Future Growth
W-Sport functions as a hub for women’s sports, balancing live, real-time event broadcasting with secondary airings. The network’s production slate includes magazine programming and documentaries.
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