Kieran Maguire: Aston Villa experiment is ‘game-changing’ for Premier League
The use of bodycams could be ‘game-changing’ for Premier League clubs after it was trialled by Aston Villa this summer.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about how bodycam footage from players could be monetised by the Premier League and its clubs.
During the Premier League summer series, Villa’s Youri Tielemans and Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes wore bodycams during the match.
The footage from bodycams was uploaded to the Premier League’s YouTube channel, with both videos getting 1.2 million views combined.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Premier League players are happy to wear bodycams in future top-flight matches, however, IFAB laws currently prohibit them from being used in competitive matches.
Maguire believes bodycam footage could be used by the Premier League as a premium-priced product to give fans a new perspective on the game.
“Clubs and broadcasters are always looking for ways to further monetise players,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“The use of bodycams could be potentially game-changing if fans are prepared to pay a premium – even if only a small premium.
“With the number of people that watch Premier League matches, a couple of pounds per player would make a huge difference.
“Clubs will be looking to convert the enthusiasm that fans have to view the game from the perspective of high-profile players.
“I’m sure it’s something that will be a premium-priced product in due course.“
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