The EFL has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to potential partners as it seeks offers for its central broadcast production requirements.
The RFP covers all of the EFL’s broadcasting requirements, from filming and distributing over 1500 matches every season to domestic and international audiences; to delivering enhanced production
values for the live streaming of games online via the EFL’s new digital platform, iFollow.
Launched ahead of the 2017/18 season, iFollow is a new live streaming service that allows the EFL to maximise the reach and exposure of its Clubs and Competitions. iFollow has already delivered over 600 Sky Bet EFL matches into 143 countries this season, and the service has been extended to the Checkatrade Trophy with the remaining matches from Round Two up until the Semi-Finals now being made available to domestic viewers as well as those based overseas.
The high quality production and distribution of the EFL match day experience sits at the heart of the EFL’s production requirements and whilst technology now allows for numerous ways for this to be
delivered, the objective of this review process is to establish a best-in-class capability that is reliable.
The rights have been split into three packages and the EFL is open to bids for any single package or combination of packages from prospective suppliers.
The packages are split as follows:
Filming of Matches (Package A);
Match Editing and Distribution (Package B);
Stadium Connectivity and Live Distribution (Package C)
EFL Chief Executive, Shaun Harvey, said:
"The RFP will enable the EFL to fully assess the market and what it has to offer our organisation as we look to push forward with exciting and innovative digital and technological advancements.
“The EFL has recently completed successful negotiations for its domestic and international rights agreements, presenting us with some exciting opportunities to develop how we deliver footage of EFL matches direct to households at home and abroad.
“As well as the traditional broadcast elements, this process is especially vital for the continuing evolution of iFollow live streaming platform, launched at the start of the 2017/18 season.
“The solutions must be reliable and flexible but we are looking to take advantage of new technologies and innovations to provide a cutting-edge service that befits the dedication and passion of EFL supporters.”
The deadline for initial conversations is Friday 15 December and supporting documentation is available to interested parties. For more information, email: productionRFP@efl.com