Fox Sports, Los Angeles, has signed a five-year partnership with NextVR to bring virtual-reality experiences to sports fans.
Under the new deal, the first event with a virtual reality option is the Daytona 500 on Feb. 21. Additional programs will be announced later this year.
The virtual reality experience entails watching events with a 360-degree view through a special headset, such as the Samsung Gear VR. Fox and NextVR also tested were boxing and golf.
“It’s all about delivering something new and exciting for our viewers,” says Eric Shanks, Fox Sports’ president, COO and executive producer. “Virtual reality is the next great frontier in immersive experiences for fans across a wide variety of sports.”
NextVR raised $30.5 million last fall from Time Warner, Comcast and other investors.
For more information, visit foxsports.com. — J.B.