MSG Networks taps Quickplay to power MSG+

MSG Networks has tapped Quickplay’s industry-first cloud native OTT platform to power its new streaming service MSG+ and enrich its sports viewing experience. 

Quickplay’s OTT platform will provide MSG+ with greater flexibility, agility and control to drive engagement and monetisation. MSG+ will use Quickplay’s CMS, edge services, and player which all run on Google Cloud to support the data-driven delivery of content based on viewers’ specific interests.

Due to launch in the summer, MSG+ will give subscribers access to MSG Networks’ exclusive coverage of their favourite teams. Fans can subscribe to MSG+ on a direct-to-consumer basis by purchasing monthly and annual subscriptions, which offers MSG channels and all MSG-produced Knicks, Rangers, Islanders, Devils, and Sabres games, as well as, other live sports, events and programming.

MSG+ will be available at no additional charge to subscribers of participating pay television service providers of MSG Networks, replacing MSG GO as the company’s authenticated streaming service.

“In the same way MSG Networks was a pioneer in sports broadcasting, the launch of MSG+ and our migration to the cloud are pivotal for our passionate sports fans,” said David Schafer, SVP, Product, Technology and Operations, for MSG Networks. “Using the Quickplay platform, we are creating an industry-leading direct-to-consumer streaming sports service that offers fans a feature rich experience with the choice to subscribe directly or through their TV provider.”

The Quickplay platform combines the flexibility and scalability of the cloud with the quality and reliability of traditional broadcast and cable environments. It will enable MSG+ to quickly and efficiently create new features that uniquely cater to diverse subscriber interests and enhance the viewing experience.

“Maximising viewership today requires the flexibility to meet sports viewers on their terms: live or archived game coverage, real-time highlights, gamification and more” said Paul Pastor, CBO and co-founder of Quickplay. “MSG Networks’ shift to the cloud is paving the way for truly personalised experiences that will enhance the ability of viewers and sponsors to connect with many of the world’s most important sports brands.”