Some of you may have noticed a change to your Facebook apps. A new icon showing a TV with recommendations on what to watch. It’s called “Watch” which is a video platform for both shortform and original videos. We told you about it last month. Over 30 shows are premiering this week and some are sports-related.
Watch will have two types of programming under the tab. They include shortform videos and what is called some “hero” projects, TV-quality series that Facebook hopes will hook viewers.
You’ll find Friday night MLB games under the Watch tab as well as some Liga MX games.
Here are some of the sports, both live and unscripted series that have premiered this week under the Watch tab:
Golden State Warriors’ Championship Rewind — A behind-the-scenes look at the Warriors’ run to the 2016-17 NBA Championship.
Titletown TX — Produced by McClatchy, this is a look at the 2016 Aledo Bearcats’ quest for a state high school football championship.
MLB Live — A weekly live game on Friday nights. There are no blackouts in the home territory.
The latest
- Could NFL see next Saudi sportswashing controversy?
- ESPN and NBA have reportedly ‘essentially come to terms’ on deal that would keep Finals on ABC
- G/O Media sells The Onion to ‘Global Tetrahedron,’ ex-NBC reporter Ben Collins to serve as CEO
- Eli Gold on Alabama exit: ‘You can’t argue with city hall.’
MLB 12:25 Live — A series showcasing baseball’s lighter side.
MLS ExtraTime Live — An interactive series allowing viewers to choose among soccer adventures. It also looks at some of the highlights from the weekend in MLS.
Univision Deportes — Live MLS games.
WNBA All-Access — This is a behind-the-scenes look at the women’s professional basketball league.
Whistle Sports — The company that focuses on kids produces two series, Every Fan You Know and Showdown. Every Fan You Know looks at various fans and fan groups. Showdown features humorous showdowns where to first to laugh loses.
World Surf League — Surfing Sundays looks at the best surfing from the WSL’s Championship Tour events.
So there’s plenty of sports-related programming on Facebook. Whether it will attract viewers is another question, but with both entertainment and sports, Facebook is hoping there will be enough for everyone to get on board.
Not everyone will see the Watch tab right away so to see the series you’re interested in, you will likely have to go to the corresponding page to watch the videos or shows. Facebook is expected to roll out the tab to everyone by the end of the year.
