Every start of a new season there have always been huge curiosity and expectations in Europe around sport TV broadcasting: who will air what, will it be pay per view or free, etcetera.

Different situation for less popular sports though, where minor leagues are struggling in finding opportunities to find good deals for their championships and tournaments, at times having even to pay for being aired.

As many European Organisations are lagging behind in their online strategies compared to their US counterparts, online live streaming could be a great alternative, when not a complement, to their TV presence.

Will Richmond from videonuze.com has done a great job collecting all the main headlines regarding online broadcasting (live or on demand) events of 2009.

- PGATour.com to Offer Live Video Streams of Key Holes for Tour Playoffs (B&C)

- U.S. Open to Stream Almost All Matches Online (PaidContent)

- DirecTV Offers NFL Sunday Ticket via Internet in NY Trial (USA Today)

- “Live at Wimbledon” Streaming Coverage Announced by NBC (Sports Media News)

- Cablevision Subs Will Gain Access to In-Market Streaming of YES’s Yankee Telecasts (Multichannel News)

- MLB.com Streams Live Baseball Games to the iPhone (NYTimes Bits)

- NBA Playoffs to Stream on Android App (Online Media Daily)

- Speedtv.com to Stream Part of Le Mans 24 Hours (Multichannel News)

- NHL to Launch Daily Stanley Cup Pre-game Web Series (Mediaweek – reg required)

- Follow the Masters on Your iPhone (Electronic House)

- March Madness! YouTube Gets Live Video via Silverlight (NewTeeVee)

A few weeks ago I also wrote about collegefanz.com broadcasting one live NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) football game each week, while broadcasting 24/7 non live games and news on their website.

It seems 2010 will be even fuller of content for sport fans around the world while new monetisation opportunities open up for European Sport Organisations willing to catch up with their online audiences, overall very much neglected so far.

Any examples of live broadcasts by minor leagues around the world are welcome!

Alessandro De Zanche