‘Netflix of sports’ set for launch

FOX SPORTS has quietly released a trial described as “the Netflix of sports” yesterday, an on-demand streaming service offering a smorgasbord of more than 50 sports including a full summer of Australian cricket, AFL, NRL, Wimbledon, NFL and the NBA.

The service, which has just completed beta testing, is expected to be released “imminently” after it was foreshadowed in News Corp’s first quarter financial results.

Unlike its streaming rivals, Kayo Sports will deliver live sports, as well as streaming matches on demand, in highdefinition and without ad breaks.

Kayo Sports had previously been tipped by Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany as a “paradise for sports fans,” with content including Moto GP, Super Rugby, La Liga, and the World Surfing Championships.

A spoiler-free mode will also be offered to hide scores from sports fans, and a splitscreen option will let viewers watch two games at once.

When the service launches, it will be offered for as little as $25 a month, with a 14-day free trial at kayosports.com.au. A premium version will cost $35.

Viewers will be able to access the service on Apple and Google mobile devices, Windows and Mac computers, and Google Chromecast devices.