Sky works with video games company to add crowd noise

SKY Sports has outlined the ways in which they will improve fan experience for Premier League matches being played behind closed doors.

But the media giant has warned supporters not to expect free-to-view games to become a regular thing.

Two Newcastle United matches are currently scheduled to be shown on Sky’s free-to-view Pick TV – at home to Sheffield United this Sunday and away to Bournemouth on July 1.

After Bundesliga matches prompted a mixed reaction from viewers, the broadcaster has been working with video-game company EA Sports to produce technology that add crowd noise to live matches.

Alongside that, Sky Sports have also introduced a new feature called ‘Fanzone’, which will enable viewers to video chat with friends during Premier League matches. However, this will only be available for select matches, according to Sky.

The broadcaster have also agreed to show 25 matches on its free-to-view Pick TV channel, but managing director Rob Webster pointed out that it was only exceptional circumstances that led to games being made available for free this season.

Sky Sports have also allowed the Premier League to defer a rebate of £170m in order to help clubs facing a cash shortfall due to the coronavirus.

A lack of live sport due to the coronavirus has led to Sky Sports seeking the rebates in order to offset their own losses caused by the halt, with Webster insisting that the deals they are proposing are ‘balanced and fair’.

Webster also revealed that the vast majority of rebate negotiations were in the process of being finalised.