FULL-SERVICE digital agency Rippleffect and video streaming specialist StreamAMG have been appointed to create a new website for the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) as part of a five-year contract.
The PDC stages the biggest tournaments in darts, including the William Hill World Darts Championship and Betway Premier League, as part of its £10 million worldwide tour, featuring stars such as world number one Michael van Gerwen, reigning World Champion Gary Anderson and the legendary Phil Taylor.
The partnering companies, which have collaborated on a number of other sport projects, will merge PDC's main website, www.pdc.tv, and video channel, www.LIVEPDC.TV, to create a premium online darts experience that fully encapsulates the atmosphere of its live events.
The site is currently in development and is expected to launch ahead the inaugural Champions League of Darts later this year.
It will showcase the organisation's wealth of great content through modern, mobile-friendly designs, a simple navigation and a brand new Drupal content management system that will improve efficiency for the PDC's media team. Plus, stakeholder research sessions will give darts fans an opportunity to help shape the digital decision-making process.
The new approach to digital will focus on growing subscriptions and attendances in the UK and overseas as well as activating sponsorship opportunities that support the organisation's long-term ambitions. In addition to the new site, Rippleffect will help PDC’s team communicate with fans and subscribers through targeted email communications.
Matt Porter, chief executive of the Professional Darts Corporation, said: "This is an exciting time for both the PDC and the sport of darts, so we’re thrilled to bring on board two companies that can help us fulfil our long-term ambitions.
"Rippleffect is one of the most experienced digital agencies in sport, whilst StreamAMG is a leader in online video solutions. Both partners boast an excellent track record for creating innovative digital projects that engage audiences and open up new commercial opportunities."
Ben Hatton, managing director at Rippleffect, said: "Sport has been at the core of our business for almost 15 years, having delivered award-winning strategies, platforms and campaigns for clubs and organisations with global audiences.
"Darts is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with audiences increasing year-on-year, and the PDC is at the forefront of that progression.
"It hosts the sport's most popular events featuring the world's best players and we're excited to play our part in shaping its digital future."
Duncan Burbidge, CEO at StreamAMG, said: "Professional darts is exploding in popularity. Audiences can't get enough of the nail-biting matches played between competitors at the highest skill level. The PDC has done a brilliant job so far of promoting darts to a global audience.
"The next logical step is for it to build a world-class video streaming service. Working alongside Rippleffect, we're thrilled to provide the infrastructure for PDC.tv. Tapping into our streaming infrastructure and Media Platform solution, the PDC's fans can count on instant access to live and on demand video."
About Rippleffect
Rippleffect is a strategic, full-service digital agency with expertise in strategy, UX, design, development, fan engagement and digital marketing. Its clients include some of the country's biggest football clubs, including Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, Everton FC and Liverpool FC; plus, organisations such as UK Sport, the Professional Footballers' Association and Chester Racecourse.
About StreamAMG
StreamAMG helps media owners, major sports organisations and corporations branch out into online video. Today, StreamAMG works with over 95% of the football clubs in the UK. Its video platform supports Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Sunderland AFC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, and 89 clubs across the Football League Interactive group. StreamAMG also works with RTÉ to provide GAAGo – the official place to watch Gaelic Games in over 150 countries.