The FIFA+ over-the-top channel, launched by global soccer's governing body three years ago, has struck a distribution partnership with streaming platform aggregator ScreenHits TV.
Through a deal unveiled yesterday, the FIFA+ free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel will - from October 1 - be integrated into the in-car and streaming platform run by ScreenHits TV (which first launched in 2012).
This platform is available via the entertainment systems in certain brands of cars, including models designed by carmakers such as Lincoln, Porsche, Ford, Renault, and Nio.
Both parties have now commented that the deal "highlights the rapid growth of ScreenHits TV as the new OOH [out of home] Smart TV solution in the automotive sector, as well as leading the way in providing a simplified solution for customers accessing their favourite content on the go."
Rose Hulse, ScreenHits TV's founder and chief executive, added: "FIFA+ is an incredible brand and we are happy to bring it to customers who want to watch sports. This collaboration with FIFA+ is a game-changer for fans on the move.”
FIFA+ will be included as one of the foremost trio of sports-based channels available via ScreenHits TV.
FIFA+ was launched in April 2022 as a platform designed to offer fans a range of live games from soccer competitions and tournaments worldwide, as well as FIFA World Cup archive highlights, full-game replays, and feature-length programming.
In April this year, FIFA and the Infront sports marketing agency expanded their relationship, in a deal which sees the Infront Productions arm provide satellite downlinking, multi-lingual commentary services, and SRT (secure reliable transport) distribution for over 300 matches on FIFA+.
The collaboration includes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches, age-grade tournaments, and global competitions in both Futsal and Beach Soccer, among others.
In February, meanwhile, UAE-based media and entertainment business Evision, a subsidiary of the country’s e& telecoms heavyweight, partnered with FIFA to host FIFA+ as a FAST channel on its Starz On service.
