With its loss-making gamble of obtaining Japan streaming rights for all FIFA World Cup games, CyberAgent¡¯s youth-focused internet broadcaster, Abema, is hoping to engage users with different features as it jostles for a place in Japan¡¯s competitive streaming market.
A free, centralized viewing option for the World Cup is something of a new experience for viewers in Japan, who in the past relied on major TV broadcasters ¡ª or in limited cases livestreaming services ¡ª to watch World Cup matches.
This isn¡¯t Abema¡¯s first foray into sports ¡ª the broadcaster also offers a range of programming in this segment, including professional sumo and mixed martial arts.
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