As proof of the increased importance of connected set-top devices is to networks, Fox Sports Go is expected to join Apple TV, Chromecast and Xbox in time for college football season. The Fox app has already been on Roku for the past couple of weeks. ESPN and NBC Sports have been on these streaming devices.
The latest
Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand says (subscription required) the deal to be on the connected TV’s increase the streaming activity for apps like the NBC Sports app and WatchESPN by 10-20%. By joining the platforms, it means that Fox Sports properties such as MLB, NASCAR and the NFL will be streamed through these devices to full-screen TV’s. And it also provides soccer matches from the Bundelsliga and the UEFA Champions League as well.
Some Roku customers noticed they had Fox Sports Go, but they had to do a search for it. Even without it being on the featured screen for apps, Fox Sports said there were more than 15,000 downloads in the four days following the soft launch on Roku.
Apple TV customers will receive a two-screen and four-screen option meaning that they can watch 2-4 sporting events at once. The four-screen option will eventually be made to all connected TV devices according to Fox.
In addition to Fox Sports’ national properties, subscribers to their local Fox Sports Net should be able to see their MLB, NBA and NHL teams as well as Fox Sports has made agreements with the three leagues for live in-market streaming.
So far, there’s no hard date as to when Fox Sports Go will be available on Apple TV, Chromecast and Xbox, but it is expected to be within by Setpember 2. For those who have been waiting for the app to appear on their connected set-tops, the anticipation will end very soon.
[Sports Business Journal (subscription req’d.)]
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