Snapchat is far more than just an ephemeral messaging app for sending nudes and selfies now, it has started to evolve into something far bigger. The company has been working to transform its app into a media hub for things such as events, music, and even some of its own original content. Now Snapchat is taking things a step further by expanding into the world of live sports broadcasting.
It’s not just for sexting anymore. By now, Snapchat’s reputation as a vessel for scandalous, disappearing selfies has given way to something of far grander ambition: It wants to become a full-blown media outlet, complete with its own web TV series. Now Snapchat wants to get into live sports broadcasting. The company behind the social messaging app is reportedly in talks to acquire the rights necessary to feature live NCAA basketball games during the Final Four next month. If all goes according to plan, the move could help turn the app into a profitable business. Explains Digiday: “The partnership will begin with the Final Four, but there are plans to expand it to other NCAA sporting events in the future. Snapchat is looking to sell brand sponsorships for these stories and plans to split ad revenue among the sports leagues, the broadcasters, and itself, according to one executive involved in negotiations. Turner is said to be close to finalizing sponsorship deals for the Final Four Stories, according to the executives.”
