Ten Sports partners NBC Universal for live video streaming

Ten Sports and NBC Universal Digital Solutions have entered into an agreement to develop and launch www.tensports.com, a free cricket-focused multiplatform sports portal targeting the Indian sub-continent’s digital audience. The portal will be powered by Vdopia, which will represent the Ten Sports content on www.tensports.com as well as on the syndication partner web sites.

The site will debut with live webcast coverage of the Compaq Cup, the triangular cricket series between India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka starting on September 8, 2009.  In addition, the portal will feature live webcast of full cricket matches that  encompass exclusive content from cricket boards of countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. The video experience will include by commentary and statistics, and will allow viewers to simultaneously chat with friends and fans during  webcasts.

Mark Denton, senior vice president, revenue and digital media, Ten Sports said, “Having built up a substantial brand leadership position in the sub-continent, we are now very excited to be able to partner with a company of the pedigree and with the digital expertise of NBC Universal. We will be working hard to leverage the Ten Sports brand and our exclusive rights to deliver content in new and dynamic ways to our growing audience both in the sub-continent and around the world.”

“This initiative demonstrates our commitment to India, one of the most exciting emerging media markets in the world,” said Sab Kanaujia, vice president, digital product strategy and development, NBC Universal, “We’re delighted to work with Ten Sports to launch India’s premier, video-rich, sports portal. By combining great content with our digital expertise and proven technology products and platforms, we fully intend to establish a new standard for excellence in the marketplace.”