Sports Illustrated TV (SI TV) Launches Direct-to-Consumer Service Expanding Subscription Video-on-Demand Distribution
SI TV Rapidly Widening Distribution Options for Consumers On the Heels of Launching its First Linear Distribution on fuboTV
NEW YORK, NY (24 Apr 2018)
Sports Illustrated’s subscription-video-on-demand (SVOD) streaming media network, Sports Illustrated TV (SI TV), expands its distribution with the launch of a direct-to-consumer app. SI TV, which launched in November 2017 on Amazon Channels, is now available on web browsers, rolling out on Roku, iOS and Android devices within the next week for $4.99/month or $49.99/year across all platforms. The news comes on the heels of SI TV launching on fuboTV’s “Sports Plus” tier, which is an add-on option for fuboTV monthly subscribers.
“Launching this app provides sports lovers with even more opportunities to access SI TV’s programming, so whether they go direct or though pay TV providers like fuboTV we offer consumers even more ways to tap into the vast options of SI TV’s original and acquired documentaries, shows and movies that have broad appeal,” said Josh Oshinsky, head of programming for SI TV at Meredith Corporation. “Our strategy is to keep finding ways to bring SI TV to consumers however and wherever they want to watch.”
SI TV is a haven for the sports lover who wants another way to engage with the hallmarks of the Sports Illustrated brand — rich storytelling, unmatched access, entertaining content and thoughtful analysis. Since launching in November 2017, the network has doubled its content and continues to add new original programming weekly.
SI TV’s direct-to-consumer launch coincides with the upcoming NFL draft and SI’s NFL Draft Preview issue, and programming will reflect this big sports moment. New features showcase top draft picks on SI TV’s signature series, including: an all-access deep dive with Saquon Barkley for “Under the Cover,” an interview with Baker Mayfield for “The Big Interview,” and a mini-documentary with Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch for “24 Hours With…” Additionally, the final two episodes of “The MMQB Draft Preview Show with PFF” will air during the direct-to-consumer launch week.
Ongoing original weekly studio shows include “The Crossover,” which focuses on basketball culture with guests such as Big Daddy Kane, Cookie Monster and Roy Wood, Jr.; “Planet Fútbol” with Grant Wahl exploring soccer with top flight guests from around the world; “The Line,” about sports wagering and daily fantasy.
Original medium and long-form documentary series and specials include “Under the Cover,” where subjects from the current Sports Illustrated issue come to life on screen; three new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 specials; “The Vault,” a series that re-examines some of the best stories from SI’s vast historical archives; and the first made-for-SI TV feature-length documentary film, “We Town,” about possibly the greatest high school basketball team ever assembled, including likely future NBA stars Mo Bamba and Cam Reddish.
SI TV partnered with uCast, a leading global internet TV network and content monetization platform, to create and maintain the direct-to-consumer apps.
Built on Microsoft Azure, the uCast Platform is highly secure, globally scalable and data-driven. It offers best-in-class capabilities such as real-time analytics, content rating, and auto-resume features.