William Troost-Ekong leads a revolution in broadcasting: footballer comments on his own match for the first time

The football world is entering a new era of sports broadcasting. Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong, now captain of Al-Khulood Club in the Saudi Pro League, has become the first active player to host a live broadcast of a match in which he is participating. This unprecedented step, carried out in partnership with SportyTV and the Saudi Pro League, is transforming traditional sports television.

A historic moment in sports broadcasting

The match between Al-Khulood and Al-Hilal as part of the Roshn League will mark the beginning of a new format of sports communication. William Troost-Ekong will not only play in this game — he will also comment on the action on the field, sharing his perspective with millions of fans around the world.

The broadcast will be available on multiple platforms: the linear SportyTV channel, the official YouTube channel of the platform, and William Troost-Ekong’s personal YouTube channel. This multi-channel approach combines traditional professional broadcasting with the player’s personal storytelling, creating a synergy between official and personal audiences.

How William Troost-Ekong prepares for the match: behind the scenes access

An hour before the game, William Troost-Ekong will go live to share his preparations. He will talk about the final moments before kickoff, his mental state, tactical thoughts — everything usually hidden from fans’ view.

“Fans rarely see how we think and prepare before a match,” explains William Troost-Ekong. “This broadcast is a way to open the door to the behind-the-scenes world of football. It allows fans to experience the game not through a commentator, but through my personal experience as a professional athlete.”

A new model of viewer engagement

The expansion of live broadcasts will reach audiences in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, the UK, and Ireland. This geographic distribution highlights an ambitious goal: to create a global community of fans united by the player’s personal voice.

SportyTV holds exclusive rights to free broadcasts of the Saudi Pro League matches, the King’s Cup, and the Saudi Super Cup through the 2028/29 season. The initiative involving William Troost-Ekong is a strategic move to turn passive viewers into active participants in sporting events.

SportyTV and the Saudi Pro League: expanding the boundaries of sports media

“This partnership symbolizes a deliberate shift in the development of sports media,” comments Elias Gallego, Vice President of Sporty Group for Business Development and Media. “The future of sports and entertainment lies at the intersection of broadcasting services, content creators, and the fan community.”

Collaborating with William Troost-Ekong demonstrates an understanding that athletes are not just performers but also content creators. The model tested by SportyTV recognizes the growing role of the creator economy in shaping the future of sports broadcasting.

This approach reflects a global trend: audiences increasingly value authenticity, direct communication, and access to the personal lives of public figures. William Troost-Ekong and SportyTV are together creating a precedent that could serve as a model for other platforms and sports organizations seeking new ways to attract and retain modern viewers.