The club expects revenue of around R$4,5 million per month, almost four times the Petrobras sponsorship.
ON TV AND IN GÁVEA: An image of Diego Tardelli is shown on FlaTV, which broadcast the presentation of the red-and-black reinforcement live. Above, the striker hugs Souza after training yesterday afternoon.
Carlos Eduardo Mansur
Launched yesterday, FlaTV is Flamengo's most important investment in its quest to make a qualitative leap forward in football. The club's official online TV channel allows Flamengo to pursue its millionaire dreams and invest in the future and fulfill its commitments in 2008.
Flamengo is proposing a partnership to its fans. The monthly subscription to FlaTV will cost R$12. The 4 million views of the experimental version in one week have led the club to set a target of 500 subscribers. At this level, 75% of the revenue would go to the club, generating monthly revenue of R$4,5 million, less taxes and agency commissions. The estimated value is four times the amount paid for the Petrobras sponsorship. The cost of implementing the TV channel, which will have a studio in Gávea, will be covered by DB4, a partner in the project.
Club rushes to put reinforcements on the field
Of the total proceeds, 50% will go to Flamengo's football team, 10% to the players and coaching staff, the main players on the TV channel, and 15% will be allocated to investments in the club. FlaTV's first objective is to enable the outright purchase of midfielder Ibson, who belongs to Porto, in June. According to the player's father, Laís Souza, there is no set amount for the deal. However, the club has other immediate needs. According to José Carlos Dias, Flamengo's vice president of finance, FlaTV is counting on FlaTV to pay the remaining installments for the purchase of 75% of goalkeeper Bruno, a percentage of full-back Leonardo Moura, and the ongoing negotiations to renew Obina's contract.
"Without FlaTV, it's possible to fund the current squad, but with some sacrifices. But there are alternatives. In 2008, we'll see an increase in TV fees and a renegotiation of sponsorship contracts. FlaTV will force us to invest even more," the executive said.
Whenever the coaching staff allows, the TV will broadcast live training sessions and team talks. It will also be live inside the training camp, the team bus, and the locker room on game days. Each week, it will follow a player for a day.
"Even I, who play, am curious. Imagine the fans. I think it's cool, especially in the training camp. But no one comes into my house," joked defender Rodrigo.
FlaTV's first live broadcast was the presentation of Diego Tardelli. He wore the number 11 jersey, which "belonged to the red-and-black Romário," as vice-president of football Kleber Leite noted. Tardelli apologized to Souza again and spoke of his plans:
"When it comes to Flamengo, a player can't think twice. This is a step towards going to the Olympics. I was very well received here. When I greeted Souza, there was a smile between us. They didn't mention a roommate, but I'm fine with Souza."