Tennis Channel Launches Hybrid TV Everywhere Strategy With NeuLion

NeuLion, Inc., an enabler and provider of live and on-demand content to Internet-connected devices, announced a partnership with the Tennis Channel to create and deliver a hybrid TV Everywhere experience with a traditional TV package and an a la carte-like package. Through the partnership, NeuLion will deliver an authenticated live 24/7 linear channel simulcast as well as a digital subscription product called Tennis Channel Plus, which are both available across PCs, smartphones and tablets.

The NeuLion TV Everywhere Platform, a full service end-to-end suite of video management, distribution and monetization tools, enables the Tennis Channel to branch out and offer its fans the ability to choose how, when, what and where they want to watch — content that is not available on the television network. Fans visiting Tennis Channel Everywhere, either through the iOS and Android apps or PC at www.tennischanneleverywhere.com , can seamlessly sign-in using their selected TV provider credentials and watch the 24/7 linear channel simulcast or subscribe to the new digital subscription product, Tennis Channel Plus.

Launched with the start of the French Open in late May, Tennis Channel Plus gives subscribers the ability to select and switch between any of the five courts from Roland Garros, all containing live matches not viewable anywhere else. This innovative consumer personalization option ensures fans can choose the matches they want to watch, complete with interactive features including slow motion viewing and instant replay, for a highly interactive digital experience. Tennis Channel Plus acts also as a great complement to the 24/7 linear channel by allowing fans to watch over 300 live matches from close to 40 tournaments from around the world, much of which is not available on the broadcast channel, as well as over 1,000 hours of on-demand content.

“This new hybrid model allows TV networks to offer additional programming that can’t be accessed elsewhere in a way that doesn’t ask distribution partners to spend out of pocket or commit valuable linear channel capacity,” said Adam Ware, Tennis Channel’s SVP and Head of Digital. “NeuLion has given us the tools to let rabid tennis fans make the choice for themselves: It’s up to them whether or not they want to pay for upgraded digital content in addition to a TV Everywhere platform that’s an additional benefit of their current pay-TV subscription.”

“The new TV Everywhere service for the Tennis Channel uniquely offers multiple monetization options allowing their fans to choose how and when they want to watch,” said Chris Wagner, EVP and co-founder at NeuLion. “NeuLion’s scalable suite of digital services which include authentication, subscription management and free on-demand videos with advertisements, supports this new offering and will enable the Tennis Channel to create meaningful experiences that will help to engage, retain and grow their customer base.”