The English Premier League will launch its own streaming platform in Singapore this year.
This bold move signals a major shift in its global media strategy.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters confirmed the news at the Financial Times Business of Football conference.
Moreover, he revealed that the new service, Premier League+, will debut for the 2026/27 season.

For the first time, the league will go direct-to-consumer in Singapore. As a result, fans will subscribe directly through the official platform.

Strategic Partnership With StarHub Strengthens Market Presence

The Premier League has entered into a six-year partnership agreement with StarHub.
Therefore, the Singapore-based telecommunications company will support the rollout of the new platform.

This partnership ensures local expertise and stable distribution. At the same time, it allows the league to manage its own subscriber relationships.

StarHub confirmed that Premier League+ will complement its current coverage. However, existing Premier League packages will remain unchanged.

Fans will continue enjoying live matches through StarHub as usual. Meanwhile, the new streaming option will enhance flexibility and viewing choices.

380 Matches and Exclusive Content on a Dedicated App

Premier League+ will offer access to all 380 matches each season. Additionally, subscribers will enjoy exclusive shoulder programming and in-depth analysis.

The platform will feature a 24/7 dedicated Premier League channel. Consequently, supporters can stay connected beyond matchdays.

Users will download the app on smart TVs or laptops. Thus, streaming becomes seamless and accessible across devices.

This direct digital model reduces reliance on traditional broadcasters. Nevertheless, partnerships with networks like Sky Sports in the UK will continue.

A Blueprint for Global Expansion

Singapore will serve as a testing ground for the league’s streaming ambitions. If successful, the model may expand into other international markets.

Masters described the initiative as a carefully considered process. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of controlling promotion and pricing strategies.

By owning customer relationships, the league gains valuable market insights. As a result, it can refine engagement strategies and tailor future offerings.

This step also provides commercial optionality in selected regions. Therefore, the Premier League strengthens its long-term media flexibility.

What Singapore Fans Can Expect Next

The service is expected to launch from August 2026. However, final pricing details have not yet been announced.

StarHub confirmed close collaboration with the league during this trial phase. Meanwhile, preparations continue to ensure a smooth rollout.

Singaporean fans will soon experience a new era of football streaming. Above all, Premier League+ promises convenience, exclusivity, and full-season access.

The English Premier League continues to evolve its global footprint. Now, with Premier League+, it takes direct control of its digital future.

In a strategic refinement of its subscription portfolio, YouTube has infused its more economical Premium Lite tier with capabilities that were once reserved for its higher-priced sibling. The update introduces background playback and offline downloads two conveniences frequently requested by budget conscious viewers who prefer flexibility without committing to the full Premium tariff.

Until now, these features remained the guarded privileges of the standard Premium membership. With this revision, Premium Lite subscribers can stream the majority of content free from interruptions, even when their screens dim or their devices rest in pockets and bags. Downloads further liberate viewers from the tyranny of unstable connections, enabling seamless viewing without reliance on Wi-Fi or cellular data.

Pricing Distinction: Premium Lite vs. Premium

In the United States, YouTube Premium Lite is positioned at $7.99 per month, offering a trimmed yet compelling feature set. By contrast, the comprehensive YouTube Premium plan commands $13.99 monthly, delivering an expanded constellation of perks.

Premium Lite eliminates advertisements from most non-music videos, though it stops short of universal ad removal. Notably, Shorts continue to display promotions, and the plan does not extend ad-free privileges to the YouTube Music app. In essence, it is a selective cleanse rather than a complete purge.

Meanwhile, YouTube Premium operates as the all-inclusive variant. It removes advertisements across the entire platform including music content and layers in additional tools such as “jump ahead,” advanced queuing, and a “continue watching” function that keeps sessions fluid across devices. For users who treat YouTube as both television and jukebox, the difference is palpable.

Gradual Rollout Underway

YouTube has confirmed that these newly granted privileges background play and offline downloads are being deployed to Premium Lite members beginning today. However, availability will expand in waves, and some subscribers may notice the enhancements arriving over the coming weeks rather than instantly.

This recalibration of Premium Lite signals a deliberate effort by YouTube to bridge the chasm between affordability and utility. By enriching the mid tier offering without collapsing the distinction between plans, the platform aims to satisfy viewers who crave flexibility yet remain mindful of monthly expenditures.

For many users, Premium Lite now stands not merely as a stripped down alternative, but as a thoughtfully balanced compromise leaner than Premium, yet far more capable than before.

Meta is moving forward with plans to introduce its first smartwatch. The upcoming device will reportedly feature advanced health monitoring tools and built-in Meta AI integration. With this release, Meta intends to challenge the Apple Watch and other leading wearable brands.

The smartwatch project is not entirely new. Meta originally halted development in 2022 after implementing significant budget reductions within its Reality Labs hardware unit. However, the company has now reactivated the initiative with a clearer vision and stronger market focus.

Internally labeled “Malibu 2,” the redesigned smartwatch reflects a strategic shift. Earlier prototypes reportedly included multiple camera equipped versions. This time, Meta appears to have eliminated camera hardware. Instead, the company is concentrating on practical functionality, artificial intelligence features, and a refined user experience.

In addition, Meta plans to unveil the smartwatch alongside its next-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses. These upgraded glasses could introduce facial recognition capabilities. By launching both devices together, Meta aims to build a more connected wearable ecosystem that competes across several technology segments.

At the same time, Meta continues to develop mixed reality glasses under the code name “Phoenix.” Nevertheless, executives have postponed that product until 2027. Leadership reportedly wants to prevent market confusion by spacing out major hardware launches. As a result, the smartwatch and smart glasses will reach consumers first.

Last year, Meta released its Ray-Ban Display AR glasses, which quickly gained popularity. Strong demand even delayed wider international availability. Those glasses currently rely on a neural wristband for gesture-based controls. Therefore, the upcoming smartwatch could potentially assume that role and streamline interaction across devices.

Meanwhile, Apple is actively expanding its own wearable portfolio. Reports suggest that the company is developing competing smart glasses, an AI-powered wearable pin, and AirPods equipped with cameras. These products are expected to integrate closely with the iPhone and a more advanced version of Siri.

Apple reportedly targets 2027 for the release of its smart glasses. The AI pin could launch around the same timeframe if development remains on schedule. However, camera-enabled AirPods may debut sooner.

The wearable technology sector is becoming increasingly competitive. Meta’s renewed smartwatch effort signals a serious attempt to regain momentum. Simultaneously, Apple continues strengthening its ecosystem. As both companies push innovation forward, consumers will benefit from smarter, AI-driven wearable experiences.