Sky Sports available on NOW TV streaming service
Sky Sports has launched on BSkyB’s internet streaming service, NOW TV, offering live sporting events with no contract, set-up expense or installation. Customers will pay a flat fee of £9.99 for a ‘day pass’ for all six Sky Sports channels, which the broadcaster hopes will open the service up to new viewers.
NOW TV is described as being ‘powered by Sky’, and was launched offering films on demand to a range of internet-connected systems, including PC, Xbox 360, iPad, iPhone, ‘selected’ Android smartphones, Roku and YouView (movies only).
As sport has been crucial in the growth and success of Sky since its launch, the market and viewers alike have been anticipating when Sky Sports would be available on NOW TV. Sky is aiming this new service at viewers who do not want to tie themselves into an expensive monthly contract but want to watch specific events – such as the Manchester United-Manchester City derby on 8 April – or a whole day’s sporting action.
This year is being promoted as Sky Sports’ ‘biggest yet’ and NOW TV viewers will be able to watch live Barclays Premier League and UEFA Champions League football matches, all 19 Formula 1 Grand Prix, exclusive cover of the British and Irish Lions’ Australian tour, all ten Ashes Tests, three gold Majors – including The Masters – and ATP tennis.
“For the first time you can get great value, commitment-free access to Sky Sports, all at the touch of a button,” comments Simon Creasey, director of NOW TV. “So whether it’s a Grand Prix on your TV, a Premier League match on your iPad, or an Ashes Test on your PC, millions more people can now enjoy great live sport across the most popular internet-connected devices.”
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, adds: “Sky Sports has never offered a greater choice of high-quality live sport and we’ve got our biggest ever summer ahead. At the same time as we’re innovating on-screen, we’re always looking at new ways to make our content available to customers. NOW TV is a great way for even more people to enjoy the best action from Sky Sports.”