RealNetworks is hitting the links in search of
subscribers for its RealOne SuperPass subscription service, announcing a
deal with the PGA Tour to add professional golf programming to the premium
multimedia service.
It is the second major pro sports deal in as many weeks for the Seattle-based RealNetworks, which
has developed a niche in the paid content space for multimedia sports
programming.
The latest deal with the PGA Tour
allows exclusive access to pro golf highlights, audio coverage and player
interviews and, as the season progresses, the two sides plan to roll out a
stand-alone subscription featuring the new, TOURCast product, which is
powered by ShotLink.
TOURCast, out of IBM’s e-business unit, lets golf fans follow every
player, every hole and every shot in real-time.
The deal paves the way for the $9.95/month RealOne SuperPass service to
carry PGA Tour highlights, live audio-only shows with play-by-play and
player interviews, video previews of PGA Tour events and interactive video
instructions.
Real’s SuperPass also features multimedia programming from MLB.com,
NBA.com and NASCAR.com.