For many years, the English Premier League has been a major viewership draw in Vietnam. The change in broadcaster initially sparked much discussion, as audience habits for accessing content had not yet adapted. FPT Play, the sole rights holder and operator in Vietnam, is progressively shifting towards an internet-based broadcasting model, moving away from traditional methods.

Audiences watching the English Premier League via FPT Play. Photo: FPT Play

One of the most significant changes lies in transmission technology. Instead of a satellite television model, FPT Play is opting for a hybrid of IPTV and OTT, a common trend among international sports platforms. This approach allows for high-resolution signals up to 4K HDR on SmartTVs, Smartphones, or FPT Boxes. Additionally, Dolby Vision, an advanced HDR version, optimizes images frame-by-frame for enhanced contrast and color accuracy.

Developing on an OTT platform also means English Premier League content is no longer confined to the living room. Viewers can watch matches on various devices, adapting flexibly to their personal schedules. According to FPT Play, this is crucial as digital content consumption habits are rapidly shifting towards an "on-demand" model, rather than being dependent on fixed schedules.

FPT Play is experimenting with bringing fans live on air for certain matches involving popular clubs. Photo: FPT Play

Alongside technological advancements, FPT Play is adjusting its content packaging towards integration. The English Premier League is not a standalone service but part of comprehensive entertainment packages. This approach, FPT Play states, aligns with the "all-in-one" trend of digital platforms. Furthermore, FPT Play's pricing starts from 59,000 VND, which is lower than before, allowing audiences to access the English Premier League along with various other content, from sports and movies to other television programs.

Regarding the community viewing experience, FPT Play is maintaining and expanding its public viewing models at cafes, restaurants, and other public venues. This is a familiar approach for Vietnamese football fans and helps the league maintain a lively atmosphere, rather than narrowing the experience to individual spaces. Collaborating with fan clubs also creates additional touchpoints between the broadcasting platform and the viewing community.

An English Premier League public viewing event organized by FPT Play in collaboration with the Manchester United Fan Club in Vietnam. Photo: FPT Play

Commentary is another element FPT Play is diversifying. The platform retains a familiar commentary team for English football fans, including Xuan Tin, Bien Cuong, Anh Quan, Hoang Hai, Hai Thanh, Huy Phuoc, Nguyen Thong, and Hoang Long. FPT Play also adds diverse commentary streams, including an English option. This multi-stream model allows viewers to actively choose a suitable commentary style, rather than being limited to a single narrative.

For post-match content, specifically highlights, the requirement to register an account to view them sparked debate. However, FPT Play believes that from a technology and copyright management perspective, this step aims to foster legitimate content consumption habits and help the platform better understand user behavior to optimize the long-term experience.

FPT Play regularly receives audience feedback after each match week and gradually adjusts technical aspects, interface, and content organization. According to the platform, it will test bringing fans live on air for certain matches involving popular clubs in the near future. This reflects the trends of personalization and increased interaction, which many international sports platforms are adopting.

By Hoai Phuong

FPT is introducing the V.VIP package. When registering online via the FPT Play app or website at http://fptplay.vn between 1/1 and 31/1, users will receive a 50,000 VND discount for their first payment for FPT Play services using Zalopay or ShopeePay e-wallets.

Additionally, users who register for a new Combo English Premier League package or upgrade their existing one by 31/1 will have a chance to win a pair of tickets to England, valued at over 200 million VND, which includes a trip and live match tickets. Customers can register or upgrade their package at https://fptplay.go.link/dQzQD.

For details, please contact hotline 19006600.