Advanced Television

Samsung VR partnerships with UFC, X Games

May 31, 2017

By Nik Roseveare

Samsung Electronics has announced VR Live Pass for its Gear VR platform – which will feature a line-up of  live entertainment partnerships with UFC, X Games and Live Nation.

The VR Live Pass on Gear VR events will be available through the Samsung VR app in early June, enabling Gear VR users to watch live entertainment events and performances no matter where they are.

“We are excited to offer Samsung Gear VR users the opportunity to experience their favorite live music and sporting events through our industry-leading VR ecosystem,” said Younghee Lee, CMO and Executive Vice President, Samsung Electronics. “Partnering with these companies to expand our VR services helps us to open up a new gateway of opportunities for fans and demonstrate our commitment to delivering experiences that make the seemingly impossible, possible.”

“We’ve always felt that the potential of combining UFC events with virtual reality would give our fans the ultimate enhanced experience,” UFC Chief Operating Officer Ike Lawrence Epstein said. “We’re excited to partner with Samsung on this game-changing initiative to further revolutionise how fight fans consume our content and live events around the world.”

“The X Games is the premier action sports event that continually provides a platform for athletic progression,” said Tim Reed, Vice President, ESPN X Games. “From never been done tricks to awe-inspiring competition, Samsung’s Gear VR technology is perfect to showcase dynamic action sports to viewers across the world.”

The initial VR broadcasts will include:
– José Aldo fighting Max Holloway for the UFC featherweight title at the UFC 212 PPV on June 3rd
– Coverage of BMX riding and skateboarding from X Games Minneapolis on July 13th
– A concert from a TBC “renowned music act” in August

Categories: Articles, Content, Rights, VR