Simply put: Ekstraklasa is the beating heart of Polish football. As the nation's premier league, it showcases the skills of Poland's top teams and players, captivating millions of fans each season. But in 2024, this national treasure found itself under threat from a new opponent: digital piracy.
A prestigious football league where thousands of matches are played each season, each one a valuable piece of content that fans across the globe want to watch. That's Ekstraklasa.
But there was a problem: digital pirates were intercepting this content and streaming it illegally, essentially stealing from the league, its teams, and ultimately, the sport itself.
When we first analyzed the situation, we identified several critical issues that were threatening Ekstraklasa's position:
Firstly, there was the direct financial impact. Every unauthorized stream represented lost revenue - money that should have been reinvested in the league, teams, and facilities. Instead, it was disappearing into the digital black market.
Secondly, these illegal streams were undermining the value of Ekstraklasa's broadcast rights. Why would broadcasters pay premium prices for exclusive rights when the same content was freely available through illegal channels? Their market position was at risk.
Finally, the league's promotional efforts were being diluted. With content scattered across unauthorized platforms, Ekstraklasa's official voice was getting lost in the digital noise.
Our strategy scored goals across several fronts:
We developed a comprehensive defensive strategy that would not only stop pirated content, but also create new opportunities for growth:
We successfully addressed the piracy problem impacting their revenue, by deploying cutting-edge streaming protection to safeguard over 500 live matches from piracy, ensuring fans had access to high-quality official streams. We also blocked thousands of unauthorized streams and broadcasts.
Effectively monetized content on their official YouTube channels, using the platform to organize and monetize Ekstraklasa's rich archive of match footage, making it easy for fans to access content legally while generating new revenue streams.
Ekstraklasa regained control over their intellectual property, as we implemented geo-specific content settings to comply with international licensing agreements. This ensured Ekstraklasa could reach fans worldwide while respecting broadcasting rights.
Effectively, through active content management, Ekstraklasa regained control over revenue generation and enhanced their leverage in broadcasting deal negotiations. We then empowered the team with hands-on workshops, teaching them content management best practices to maximize their reach and impact on YouTube.
Of course, protecting content isn't just about blocking illegal access - it's about creating a better experience for fans while ensuring the sport's financial future.
When leagues maintain control over their content, everyone wins: the league can invest in better facilities and player development, broadcasters get better returns on their investments, and fans get higher-quality content. Win-win-win (or as they say in the industry, a hat trick!)
Contact BB Media Group to learn how our expertise and approach can help you tackle your unique challenges, connect with your audience meaningfully, and drive revenue. Get in touch today.