Javier Tebas: "LaLiga is one of the leading content providers in the sports world"

LaLiga president Javier Tebas delivered the opening keynote at the Sport Industry Summit 2017, which took place today – Friday 12 May – in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year's edition of this annual international forum focused on the constantly changing environment of the business of sport and the ways in which technology is steadily transforming the industry and creating new opportunities. Monetising digital content, online streaming, and the growth of e-sports are just some of the topics that were up for discussion.

Tebas stated that LaLiga is determined to serve up a comprehensive, immersive experience for its followers: "We don't want to stop at matches. Our goal is to give fans of our competition something extra and to go beyond the 90 minutes that matches last." On this note, LaLiga is committed to pioneering broadcasting innovations, which represent one of the tools through which the institution can offer supporters more than ever before. Aerial cameras, 360º replays, Steadicams, 4K cameras and new-look visuals are just some of the improvements that put LaLiga at the forefront when it comes to broadcasts of its games. An effective social media strategy, app development, and support for e-sports and gaming are some of the other areas through which LaLiga is striving to generate the desired unique experience: "We have devised a digital strategy to try to compete in this industry. In terms of its televisual content, LaLiga is one of the leading content providers in the sports world."

The LaLiga president also spoke about the organisation's ongoing international expansion, including citing the offices it has opened in South Africa, Nigeria, India, the United Arab Emirates, China, Singapore and the United States. Likewise, he outlined the workings of the Global Network project, which will involve more than 30 talented youngsters representing LaLiga in strategic destinations after having come through an exhaustive recruitment process. "We have sent LaLiga representatives to places across the world. The talents we have selected are getting going now after having been chosen out of some 12,000 applicants," Tebas explained, adding that, "One of their tasks is to seek out social media influencers in their locations, both from the sports world and from other spheres."