By Stuart Thomson

Nordic Entertaintment Group’s (NENT Group) Viaplay streamer will launch in the Netherlands on March 1 2022 and offer Dutch viewers a combination of premium live sports, Viaplay Originals, Hollywood films and series, and kids content.

The service will be a single package priced at €13.99(US$15.82) per month, and will be available through distribution partners including VodafoneZiggo and KPN and as a direct subscription. The launch will take Viaplay’s footprint to 11 countries, with at minimum of five further markets to follow by the end of 2023.

The service will include Formula 1 motorsports; PDC darts; Bundesliga football; women’s football from Italy’s Serie A and Sweden’s Damallsvenskan; Matchroom snooker and pool; and KSW mixed martial arts; with Premier League football to follow from August.

Marco Zwaneveld has been appointed Viaplay’s head of sports in the Netherlands.

Viaplay has over 60 original drama premieres planned for 2022, and will invest in Dutch Viaplay Originals. Kennard Bos has been appointed Viaplay’s first executive producer in the Netherlands.

International films and series will be provided courtesy of deals with studios such as MGM and Sony.Kids content: on the service includes Peppa Pig, My Little Pony and LEGO Ninjago.

All Viaplay Originals and international content will have Dutch subtitles, and all kids content will have Dutch dubbing.

In the Netherlands, Viaplay will be supported by a wide range of devices and platforms, including smart TVs; iOS and Android smartphones and tablets; Chromecast and Apple TV; and PC and Mac.

NENT Group President and CEO Anders Jensen,said: “Launching Viaplay in the Netherlands is a major step for our company and above all for viewers. Viaplay’s unique combination of the world’s best sports, films and series is great value and offers something for everyone, and our partnerships with KPN and VodafoneZiggo will help us reach audiences across the country. We understand how much Formula 1 in particular means to Dutch fans, and Viaplay’s coverage will set new standards of excellence. We are here to lead, learn and contribute – from 1 March and for many years to come.”

Chief strategy and content officer at VodafoneZiggo Robin Kroes said: “We want to give our customers easy access to all their favourite content, including sports. This partnership helps to fulfil that aim, so we are pleased to have come to a collaboration with Viaplay.”