Panasonic Avionics has agreed to extend and expand its long-standing relationship with IMG to deliver live sports content to airline IFE systems. The contract gives Panasonic Avionics all international in-flight rights to Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra, the world’s only global live sports channels.
Under the terms of the agreement, Panasonic Avionics will exclusively provide IMG’s Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels, to any airline, regardless of the IFE system or connectivity network they use. Airlines that offer these channels will be able to connect their passengers to live sporting content from around the world, including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, NFL, NBA, NHL, Tennis Grand Slams, Golf Majors and the Ryder Cup, the NRL, and more.
Richard Wise, SVP for content and channels at IMG Media said, “This latest agreement with Panasonic will bring our Sport 24 broadcast to millions more passengers across more global airlines in the years ahead. This new deal also conveys the confidence both parties have in the recovery of the airline industry post the pandemic, especially now that vaccines are being rolled out around the world.
“Panasonic’s role as the official provider for our channels is a significant step in the growth of live sport as in-flight entertainment. Premium live coverage of the world’s major sports tournaments and events is a must-have for airlines wanting to cater to and engage with their customers.”
Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra broadcast 24-hours a day, 365 days a year, connecting passengers to over 16 hours of premium live content each day. Over 30 different global sports leagues, federations and unique events will be shown in 2021, including the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and UEFA Euro.
As part of the agreement, Panasonic Avionics and IMG intend to work together to develop new sports content offerings that could be made available under the Sport 24 umbrella.
