Roku, the popular streaming platform, has made its first foray into live sports with an exciting deal for motorsports enthusiasts. The company has announced a partnership to stream 11 Formula E races for free through The Roku Channel, starting from the upcoming season. Additionally, viewers will have access to on-demand videos, including race previews, replays, and the “Unplugged” documentary. The Roku Channel can be accessed through Roku devices, the web, and dedicated mobile apps.
While the deal is not an exclusive one, as Paramount+ will also simulcast five Formula E races alongside CBS starting in January 2024, it represents a significant opportunity to expand the exposure of the race series, especially in the United States. Aarti Dabas, Formula E’s media chief, sees the agreements with both Roku and Paramount+ as avenues to “dramatically increase” the visibility of the championship.
? BREAKING ?
As revealed by @THR and @SBJ, we are going BIG in the US next season! ??
We will have more races on @CBSSports in addition to @Roku signing us for their first live sports rights deal as the streaming home of Formula E ?
Great things for Season 10 ??
— ABB FIA Formula E World Championship (@FIAFormulaE) June 27, 2023
Although this deal may not be on the same scale as Formula 1 or other major sports partnerships, it marks a notable expansion of content available through Roku’s ad-supported service. The Roku Channel initially focused on older movies and shows but has since expanded its offerings to include premium subscriptions, original programming, and live TV. With the addition of Formula E, Roku now has the chance to attract sports enthusiasts to its platform.
The move to include live sports content comes in response to the growing trend of streaming services securing exclusive sports rights. Amazon Prime Video, for instance, offers a limited number of NFL games, while Apple provides Friday Night Baseball and MLS Season Pass. Paramount+ has already secured several exclusive soccer deals. Moreover, ad-supported channels are expanding their reach across various platforms, as evidenced by Amazon’s recent launch of free TV for Fire devices. By bringing Formula E to its platform, Roku aims to captivate sports fans and sustain interest in its hardware and services, particularly among viewers who seek live content.
As Roku continues to diversify its content offerings, this foray into live sports demonstrates the platform’s commitment to catering to a wider audience and competing in the evolving streaming landscape. Motorsports enthusiasts and Roku users alike can look forward to an exciting lineup of Formula E races and related content, further enhancing the platform’s appeal as a go-to destination for streaming entertainment.
