Eleven Sports launches 'world first' Watch Together product

Eleven Sports is launching a new product that lets sports fans watch live action together in the same online space at the same time.

The company says Watch Together is a world first for the sports market.

It plans to roll out Watch Together in its international OTT markets, with a trial period expected to launch in the coming weeks.

Watch Together has been created by tech start-up Reactoo to drive engagement and make watching sport a fun and social experience for fans – even when they are miles apart.

Eleven Sports subscribers will be able to create a ‘room’ and invite up to four fans to share the experience of watching a live sports event.

Those in the room will be able to see, hear and chat while watching the live action. The person who sets up the room can invite others by simply sharing a link by text, WhatsApp, email or on social media.

At launch, Watch Together will be available through Chrome and Firefox internet browsers on PC and laptops. Eleven Sports said it will be rolled out across other browsers and devices in the near future.

Tom Middleditch, global head of digital at Eleven Sports, said: “Watch Together will help to drive engagement in the live event by encouraging active, as opposed to passive viewing habits.

“Together with our partners Reactoo, we have created an easy-to-use viewing experience. We are delighted to be the first to bring it to the sports market globally, harnessing the versatility of online streaming and fulfilling our commitment to introduce innovative ways for fans to watch, engage in and enjoy live sport.”