Chinese technology company Hisense yesterday at CES announced a strategic partnership with Fox Sports that will see a specially created version of the Fox Sports Go app exclusively preloaded in select Hisense Smart TV models to show this year's FIFA World Cup and the ’19 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The effort includes some camera angles and content not offered in the regular broadcast of the event. Financial terms were not disclosed, but both sides described the pact as something much more unique than a traditional sponsorship. “This is the first time Fox has done a customized app like this,” said Fox Networks Group Senior VP/Global Solutions Greg Stangel. “This is a long way from an ad-buy type of thing.” Hisense has also agreed to be an associate sponsor of “Phenoms,” a forthcoming documentary series Fox is developing chronicling the journeys of future World Cup hopefuls. Hisense’s CES press event yesterday included the "Men In Blazers" soccer commentary duo of Roger Bennett and Michael Davies.
NEW DEALS WITH SNAPCHAT, TWITTER: Meanwhile, Fox Sports has also struck new agreements with Snapchat and Twitter to further showcase the upcoming World Cup. The Twitter alignment will include a 30-minute live show that will be streamed exclusively on the platform and hosted by Rachel Bonnetta each match day during the tournament. The program will offer match previews, recaps, Twitter reaction and appearances by Fox on-air talent. Fox also will provide Twitter with near-live video highlights including every goal scored. The Snapchat effort will include a Fox-produced Publisher Story detailing the day-to-day happenings of the event. Snapchat will also produce World Cup-themed “Our Stories” compilations of video Snaps with video highlights of game action. “These collaborations with Twitter and Snapchat mark a major opportunity to leverage the world’s greatest sports moment and our talent beyond the TV screen,” said Fox Sports Senior VP/Cross-Platform Solutions Alexis Ginas.
