Thanks to a recently announced partnership between FOX Sports and NextVR, the 2015 U.S. Open of golf will be broadcast for the first time using virtual reality technology in the history of broadcast sports. Currently, it has been said that Oculus Rift, Samsung and Sony VR headsets will be supported by the feed.
This innovative partnership is a fascinating development in a long list of many that will likely define how virtual reality technology will be applicable in everyday life for most consumers. While the technology may be quite expensive at the moment, it is likely that soon enough an affordable VR headset that is more accessible to the average consumer will end up being more affordable than a trip to a sporting event in person.
What's Driving This Trend
- Virtual Reality Streaming
- Opportunity for sports broadcasting companies to partner with virtual reality companies and stream live events in virtual reality format.
- Consumer VR Accessibility
- Opportunity for virtual reality companies to develop affordable VR headsets for the average consumer, making it accessible than actually attending live sporting events.
- Virtual Reality Sports Viewing
- Opportunity for sports teams and venues to partner with virtual reality companies to offer virtual reality sports viewing experiences to their customers.
Who This Affects Most
- Sports Broadcasting
- Opportunity for sports broadcasting companies to leverage virtual reality technology in order to provide immersive live experiences to customers.
- Virtual Reality
- Opportunity for virtual reality technology companies to partner with sports organizations in order to provide immersive virtual reality experiences to fans.
- Sports Entertainment
- Opportunity for sports teams and venues to enhance their customer's experience by offering virtual reality sports viewing options.
