NENT partners VodafoneZiggo to set streamer Viaplay’s Dutch launch for March

Nordic Entertainment (NENT) Group is continuing to roll out its Viaplay streaming service by confirming its launch in the Netherlands on March 1 next year.

Anders Jensen

NENT has agreed a carriage deal with local mobile and cable operator VodafoneZiggo that will make it accessible to four million households.

The launch is part of NENT’s plan to roll out Viaplay in 16 territories by 2023.

Marco Zwaneveld has been appointed Viaplay’s head of sports in the Netherlands and its sports offering includes live Formula 1 racing, Bundesliga football and Matchroom snooker and pool. It has also picked up the rights to show English Premier League football from August 2022.

More than 30 Viaplay originals, including drama series Love Me, The Box, Honour and Threesome, are also slated for the launch, along with international movie libraries from MGM, Sony, wiip and others. Kennard Bos has been appointed Viaplay’s first exec producer in the Netherlands as it looks to ramp up an originals strategy there.

Anders Jensen, NENT’s president and CEO, said: “Launching Viaplay in the Netherlands is a major step for our company, and above all for viewers. Viaplay’s unique combination of the world’s best sport, films and series is great value and offers something for everyone, and our partnerships with KPN and VodafoneZiggo will help us reach audiences across the country.

“We understand how much Formula 1 in particular means to Dutch fans, and Viaplay’s coverage will set new standards of excellence. We are here to lead, learn and contribute.”

All Viaplay Originals and international content will have subtitles and all kids’ content will be dubbed into Dutch.