Thu | Sep 11, 2025

PFJL close to securing new broadcast partner

Published:Saturday | August 16, 2025 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
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Professional Football Jamaica Limited’s CEO, Owen Hill.
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Professional Football Jamaica Limited’s CEO, Owen Hill.
Cavalier’s Jalmaro Calvin (right) is brought down following a tackle by Fitzroy Cummings of Mount Pleasant during the Jamaica Premier League final at the National Stadium on Friday, May 23.Cavalier’s Jalmaro Calvin (right) is brought down following a t
Ian Allen
Cavalier’s Jalmaro Calvin (right) is brought down following a tackle by Fitzroy Cummings of Mount Pleasant during the Jamaica Premier League final at the National Stadium on Friday, May 23.Cavalier’s Jalmaro Calvin (right) is brought down following a tackle by Fitzroy Cummings of Mount Pleasant during the Jamaica Premier League final at the National Stadium on Friday, May 23.
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Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) is moving forward with a new television broadcast deal following the recent closure of its long-time partner, SportsMax. The PFJL is close to finalising an agreement with Pivot Productions, a US-based company specialising in live sports broadcasting, to deliver a high-quality product for the upcoming season.

​​PFJL Chief Executive Officer Owen Hill has expressed confidence that the league’s television coverage will not only maintain the high standards set by SportsMax but will also be more cost effective.

“We are working it out. There has not been a final decision as yet. But we definitely will have television,” Hill stated. “We are ultimately looking to continue what we had with the standard and the quality, but also finding opportunities to monetise the production and broadcast of the league.”

​Hill noted that while the new partnership will have a similar initial investment, the long-term benefits will be greater due to the use of advanced technology. This new approach aims to reduce costs while increasing revenue as the league’s broadcast capabilities expand.

He also believes that long term the partnership will be even more beneficial to the clubs financially.

“The investment is going to be just around the same but the long-term benefits are going to be better because it is heavily technology driven. As we implement and scale up, our cost should be reducing and benefits should be multiplying,” Hill said.

​A primary goal of the new broadcast deal is to significantly expand the league’s reach, especially to the Jamaican diaspora and other international markets. According to Hill, the league’s product was specifically designed for television with this in mind, as most active viewers are based overseas.

​“The standard has been set ultimately by SportsMax, and we can’t fall below that,” Hill said, highlighting the previous broadcaster’s reach across 27 Caribbean countries. “We need to be in 27 more territories across the world.” The new broadcasters are expected to continue the regular schedule of doubleheader games on Sundays and Mondays.

​Fans can anticipate a “freshness that comes with a change” as the new partnership introduces technological advancements. Hill mentioned that while there may be some “teething pains” in the early stages, the new providers will bring new dimensions to the product.

​Pivot Productions, though not a household name, is a “heavy-hitting team” with an experienced chief proprietor who has been in the industry for over 20 years. They plan to use cutting-edge technology, including unmanned robotic cameras and cloud-based production and management systems, to enhance the viewing experience.

​“The partners that have been engaged are world class,” Hill affirmed. “Their promise is that the highest standard will be met, and we are excited.” The PFJL is also committed to allowing fans to provide feedback on the broadcast, ensuring the new product meets the community’s expectations.