Turner Broadcasting is gearing up to launch its premium live sports streaming service for the US, Bleacher Report Live, in April.
The direct-to-consumer offering will serve as the central hub for both the discovery and consumption of live sports content. Users can find and watch their favourite sports content, with the ability to scroll through a feed of real-time sporting events; personalisation features also will aggregate live sports content that is the best fit for each fan.
Also, beginning this summer, B/R Live will implement flexible pricing options, and provide direct access to live games for purchase on an individual or subscription basis. NBA League Pass for instance will provide an innovative, first-of-its-kind experience that will allow fans to purchase and watch live NBA games in progress at a reduced price.
Among the thousands of live sporting events available directly through the service will be the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, NBA League Pass games, 65 NCAA Championships, PGA Championship, National Lacrosse League, The Spring League, Red Bull Global Rallycross, World Arm Wrestling League and more.
“As viewing habits continue to evolve, Turner is well positioned to provide fans with direct access to premium live sports content that is highly coveted by audiences of scale, including a high concentration of millennials,” said David Levy, president of Turner. “When we first acquired Bleacher Report in 2012, we knew the definition of a network was changing and we anticipated a time when B/R would become a virtual network. Today is a significant step in that direction and we will fully leverage the reach of B/R and its deep connection with passionate sports fans to provide compelling experiences for them across this new, exciting platform.”
B/R Live will initially launch with all streaming content available as part of a free preview period extending throughout the opening months of the product. The first event available through the service will feature Johnny Manziel’s debut in The Spring League on Saturday 7 April.
“B/R has grown immensely in recent years, in no small part because of our total dedication to serving fans, and we have a proven track record of helping fans find the best digital sports content,” said Dave Finocchio, CEO of Bleacher Report. “Historically, we’ve pointed fans to the best content – whether on B/R or another destination – to deliver the greatest experience possible. We’re excited to bring this same approach to the live sports space, helping millennial and Gen Z fans, especially, with a more streamlined experience as they watch their favourite teams and leagues.”
B/R Live is the latest move in Turner's growing portfolio of streaming offerings, which also include FilmStruck and Boomerang.
