SportsHero’s Growth Hinges on Success of PLDT Gaming Subscription Deal
SportsHero Ltd has inked a US$1 million agreement with PLDT Inc, the Philippines’ largest telco, to distribute its iGV Family Game Pass, marking a major milestone in its Southeast Asian expansion.
- Two-year renewable distribution deal with PLDT Inc worth US$1 million upfront
- iGV Family Game Pass bundled with PLDT Home broadband premium customers
- Revenue sharing model – 65% to SportsHero, 35% to PLDT
- Targets 43 million PC gamers in the Philippines, a rapidly growing market
- Part of SportsHero’s broader Southeast Asia strategy including Indonesia and Thailand
A Strategic Leap into Southeast Asia’s Gaming Market
SportsHero Ltd, an emerging player in gaming subscription services, has taken a significant step forward by signing a two-year agreement with PLDT Inc, the Philippines’ largest fully integrated telecommunications company. This deal, valued at US$1 million in its first year, will see SportsHero’s iGV Family Game Pass bundled with PLDT Home’s premium broadband offerings, unlocking access to a vast and engaged gaming audience.
PLDT Home commands over half of the Philippines’ fiber-to-the-home market, boasting 3.2 million users as of the end of 2023. By integrating the iGV Family Game Pass into PLDT’s premium broadband packages, SportsHero gains immediate exposure to a substantial subscriber base, while also tapping into the broader market through direct marketing and carrier billing options.
Capitalising on a Growing PC Gaming Audience
The Philippines is home to an estimated 43 million PC gamers, a demographic that forms the core target for SportsHero’s product. The local video games and consoles market was valued at US$1.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to nearly US$1.9 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 9.1%. This burgeoning market, coupled with the rise of eSports, presents a fertile ground for subscription-based gaming platforms like iGV.
SportsHero’s iGV Family Game Pass offers subscribers access to over 200 popular titles, including blockbuster games such as Call of Duty, Elden Ring, and Grand Theft Auto 5, all under a single subscription fee. This model aligns well with the preferences of modern gamers seeking variety and value.
A Revenue Model Built for Growth
The agreement includes a guaranteed US$1 million payment in the first year, providing SportsHero with immediate cash flow post-integration. Beyond this, revenue generated from subscriptions will be shared 65% to SportsHero and 35% to PLDT, incentivising both parties to maximise subscriber uptake. Notably, there is no minimum subscription requirement, which places the onus on effective marketing and customer engagement.
PLDT will actively market the iGV Game Pass to its non-premium broadband customers at a mutually agreed price, expanding the potential subscriber base. The partnership also benefits from PLDT’s robust infrastructure and marketing capabilities, including direct carrier billing integration, which simplifies payment processes for users.
Building on Regional Momentum
This deal complements SportsHero’s ongoing Southeast Asian expansion, following earlier partnerships with major telcos in Indonesia and Thailand. CEO Tom Lapping highlighted the significance of securing another market-leading telco partner, underscoring the company’s confidence in its regional growth strategy.
With the Philippines market offering substantial scale and growth potential, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for further expansion across Southeast Asia’s dynamic gaming landscape.
Bottom Line?
SportsHero’s PLDT partnership sets the stage for accelerated growth in Southeast Asia’s lucrative gaming market.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly will subscriber numbers grow beyond the initial contract term?
- What marketing strategies will PLDT deploy to maximise uptake among non-premium customers?
- Could this partnership pave the way for SportsHero’s expansion into other Southeast Asian countries?
