MSG Networks this week announced its forthcoming direct-to-consumer-streaming service MSG+ will lean on Quickplay’s cloud-native OTT platform to boost the sports viewing experience.
Officially announced in March, MSG+ is poised to offer games from the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres, available without a cable subscription to fans in the regional footprint. A direct-to-consumer regional sports network (RSN) service, MSG+ is priced at $29.99 per month or $309.99 for an annual subscription, with individual games available for $9.99 each. The ability to buy one-off games of local teams is something MSG said isn’t offered by any other RSN.
MSG Networks plans to leverage Quickplay’s CMS, edge services and player, all running on Google Cloud, to support data-driven content delivery based on viewers’ specific interests.
"In the same way MSG Networks was a pioneer in sports broadcasting, the launch of MSG+ and our migration to the cloud are pivotal for our passionate sports fans," said David Schafer, SVP of Product, Technology and Operations for MSG Networks, in a statement. "Using the Quickplay platform, we are creating an industry-leading direct-to-consumer streaming sports service that offers fans a feature rich experience with the choice to subscribe directly or through their TV provider."
Quickplay boasts flexibility and scalability of the cloud for its platform, with the ability to quickly create new features that deliver personalized experiences and enhanced viewing.
“Maximizing viewership today requires the flexibility to meet sports viewers on their terms: live or archived game coverage, real-time highlights, gamification and more" said Paul Pastor, CBO and co-founder of Quickplay, in a statement. "MSG Networks' shift to the cloud is paving the way for truly personalized experiences that will enhance the ability of viewers and sponsors to connect with many of the world's most important sports brands."
MSG+ is Quickplay’s most recent U.S. win. Allen Media Group last year disclosed it would use the cloud-native platform to essentially serve as the backend of its tech stack across the entire AMG portfolio. That includes FAST service Local Now, The Weather Channel, and The Grio, among others. Part of the aim involves a focus on personalized FAST channels, Michael Senzon, president of digital at AMG, told Fierce in September.
To be more competitive in streaming Senzon said AMG needs apps to work really fast on the front end, with a cloud-based backend system that can move and iterate quickly.
“Our DTC experiences should be like Ninja Warriors – they operate super quickly, very interactive and do exactly what users expect,” Senzon said during IBC.
Sold to FirstLight Media and Highview Capital Partners by AT&T roughly three years ago, Quickplay has since rebranded and experienced growth. In reporting 2022 earnings highlights, the company disclosed seeing recurring revenue grow 320% since 2020.
As for MSG+, the streaming service, which was rumored in November, will join other RSN offerings that have come to market, such as Bally Sports+, NESN 360, the NBA’s ClipperVision, and most recently an RSN service from the YES Network.
The DTC launch comes as RSNs have been looking for new ways to reach fans as businesses have been challenged in the face of declining pay TV viewership and distribution alongside rising costs for sports. Sinclair subsidiary Diamond Sports Group, operator of Bally Sports RSNs, this year entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it looks to restructure $8 billion in debt and emerge as a standalone company. It’s currently battling it out with some major sports leagues, specifically the MLB, over late payments to teams – with the pro baseball league asking the court to force immediate payment or strip the broadcaster of its TV rights for Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins games.