The World Nineball Tour has secured a major new streaming deal, aiming to increase its presence in the United States with the Mosconi Cup and US Open set to air on a prominent sports network. The US Open, taking place in Texas this August, will mark the tournament's debut on the network, while the Mosconi Cup will return to the network from Orlando, Florida in November.
According to Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, this collaboration is a significant step forward for the sport. Frazer expressed excitement about the potential for Nineball pool in the US, citing the success of other sports on major broadcasters. She drew comparisons to the impact of snooker events on a major UK broadcaster, suggesting that this deal could have a similar effect on the sport's popularity.
Matchroom Sport launched the World Nineball Tour in 2023, with the goal of replicating the success of the Professional Darts Corporation in the pool world. However, the project faces significant challenges, including a crowded sporting landscape and the need to establish Nineball as a professional sport. Frazer acknowledged these hurdles, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Nineball as a professional sport and highlighting its potential for growth.
Frazer identified broadcast and sponsorship as key challenges for the sport, but expressed optimism about the impact of the new streaming deal. She noted that recent collaborations with other broadcasters have yielded promising results, and believes that the partnership with the sports network will help to increase exposure for the sport. The goal is to create a demand for Nineball events, particularly in the US, and to build a loyal fan base.
The Mosconi Cup, an iconic team event, is expected to play a major role in this effort. Frazer hopes that the event will attract new fans and create a buzz around the sport, particularly in the US. The success of other sports, such as darts, serves as an inspiration for Matchroom's efforts to grow the popularity of Nineball. Frazer cited the example of a recent darts tournament, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd, and expressed her desire to replicate this success with Nineball.
Frazer's vision for the sport is ambitious, and she believes that the partnership with the sports network is a crucial step towards achieving her goals. With the US market identified as a key target, Frazer is excited about the potential for growth and is committed to making Nineball a mainstream sport. The new streaming deal is seen as a major opportunity to increase exposure and build a loyal fan base, and Frazer is confident that it will help to take the sport to the next level.
