Twitter, Globe link up for NBA livestream

MANILA, Philippines - Twitter has inked a major livestreaming deal with its first Asian partner Globe Telecom, for its two exclusive US National Basketball Association shows, the company announced recently.

In a press conference on Thursday, Maya Hari, managing director for southeast Asia and India, said they are proud to partner with Globe to promote NBA livestream programs and game highlights to Filipino basketball fans.

“Twitter is a platform where sporting moments play out on a daily basis. 90 percent of male Twiter users in the Philippines are interested in basketball and 76 percent of them actively following and watching the NBA and so this was the perfect type of content that we want to bring to the Philippines,” Maya said.

“This is our first collaboration in live streaming not just in the Philippines but in Asia,” she added.

Under the agreement, Globe will advertise on Twitter’s livestream of “The Starters” and “The Warmups” to the telecom provider’s digital audiences.

 The shows, produced by Time Warner Inc’s Turner Sports, will air only on Twitter throughout the basketball league’s season from late October through June.

The Philippines is one of the NBA’s biggest international markets, especially online.

Basketball content will be created specifically for Twitter and Globe ads will run on highlight clips aired on the social media platform in the region.

Maya said Twitter has made livestreaming video integral to its future as user.

“A lot of our strategy has been built around video and live streaming. A lot of our investments are growing in this space. This is one area that you will see us wanting to bring more and  more capabilities.

Maya  said the Philippines continues to be a strong market.

“Philippines is one of our strongest user growth markets. The country is among the fastest growing markets globally. Twitter is looking for what consumers are looking in and be able to match-make the content that will resonate with that audience. Basketball is definitely high on that list,” Maya said.