The service has already been selected by Albania’s pay-TV platform, DigitAlb, at 16° East, to expand its content offer and attract new subscribers.
IKO Media Group has announced a significant expansion of its collaboration with Eutelsat Group, unveiling plans to launch an eSports TV package, eCLUTCH, catering to audiences across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The platform, slated to debut on Eutelsat’s 16° East orbital position, HOTBIRD at 13° East, and 7/8° West, will feature an initial offering of 10 eSports and gaming channels, with further additions anticipated in the near future.
The eSports market is on a meteoric rise, projected to surpass 856m users globally by 2028. With millions of viewers worldwide avidly following eSports tournaments and gameplay, iKO Media Group aims to extend the reach of this captivating content beyond traditional streaming platforms and social media channels by leveraging satellite broadcasting, thus reaching audiences in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
By integrating satellite broadcasting into its distribution strategy, iKO Media Group aims to amplify the accessibility of eSports channels to millions of households equipped with satellite receivers. This strategic move not only allows broadcasters and TV platforms to tap into new audience demographics but also brings previously inaccessible content to viewers across the region.
The multi-year agreement between Eutelsat and iKO Media Group heralds a new business paradigm for Eutelsat, underscoring its evolution as a solutions provider committed to collaborating with partners to develop value-driven solutions for clients and end-users alike.
Albania’s premier pay-TV platform, DigitAlb, has already embraced the eCLUTCH service at 16° East, recognising its potential to enrich its content offerings and attract a broader subscriber base.
Commenting on the deal, Arnaud Verlhac, eCLUTCH CO-Founder, said: “Close to 1bn people around the world watch video games and tournaments. For media, E-sports is a huge opportunity to reach a new target audience in the same way they already do with sports, music, or events. I am really excited to build this bridge with such a strong and trusted partner as Eutelsat. The launch of eCLUTCH on DigitAlb, and across the EMEA region, is the achievement of several months of hard work, but just the start of a fantastic adventure.”
DigitAlb CEO, Eglinor Ramaj, added: “Launching this eSport channel package will help us attract new audience demographics. As a well-established TV Platform, DigitAlb is able to provide larger audiences for eSports channels, while these channels will help us attract a younger digital-native demographic, to whom we can offer a high quality, large screen experience for their eSports passion.”
Laurence Delpy, President of Eutelsat Video Business Unit, stated: “We are honoured to be selected by iKO Media to launch this innovative new platform. The deal showcases both the new types of content we are bringing to satellite, as well as satellite’s role in enabling broadcasters to extend their reach and target new audience bases. We are also delighted to see our anchor client, DigitAlb, already making eCLUTCH available for its subscribers.”
