Professional Bull Riders has launched a new OTT digital streaming service that will offer content from the US series, along with wider western sports action.
RidePass commenced operations yesterday (Monday) and will significantly expand fan access to more than 150 live PBR and western sports events which include additional coverage of PBR’s premier and non-televised tours, international coverage of the sport’s top tours in Australia, Brazil, Canada and Mexico, and live rodeo events.
Additionally, RidePass will debut several original series at its launch, including ‘Keepin’ It 90,’ a RidePass original series featuring two-time PBR world champion J.B. Mauney and popular western personality Dale Brisby, and ‘In Color,’ a series offering in-depth conversations with current and past PBR stars.
RidePass launches through a new mobile app and website and will become available later this year via additional OTT services such as Amazon, Apple TV and Roku. RidePass memberships start at $6.99 (€6) monthly for a full-year subscription.
The network’s first live streaming event will be PBR’s St. Louis Invitational on Saturday.
“Fans have been asking for more live-event coverage, more access to the sport’s compelling personalities, and additional ways to celebrate cowboy values,” Sean Gleason, chief executive of PBR, said. “RidePass will allow fans to stream everything from their favourite PBR and rodeo events to original western-themed sports series available nowhere else.”
RidePass members will have live and on-demand access to events that are not televised by US broadcast partner CBS Sports. These will include select 25TH PBR: Unleash The Beast rounds currently not carried by CBS; PBR Real Time Pain Relief Velocity Tour events; PBR Global Cup and international tours; stand-alone rodeo events; and high school rodeo through a new rights representation agreement with the National High School Rodeo Association.
The new western sports digital network will also offer live companion coverage for all PBR on CBS events. The next day, members will also have access to full on-demand replays of the televised events.
Endeavor, the holding company of the WME and IMG agencies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship, acquired PBR in 2015.