Social streaming platform SportsCastr has become official partners with the WNBPA, the union that represents players in the WNBA. The agreement calls for current WNBA players to use the app to provide commentary not just for their league, but across other pro sports as well. There also will be opportunities for fans to redeem FanChain cryptocurrency to unlock premium content and experiences with the pro basketball players.
“Fans crave authentic interaction, and through the SportsCastr live-streaming platform, our players have another exciting way to engage fans in real-time,” said Terri Jackson, the WNBPA’s director of operations in a news release. “This innovative technology also fits our objective to build unique group licensing opportunities through REP Worldwide that bring fans and players closer.”
SportsCastr launched as a service enabling all users to become color commentators, calling broadcasts and narrating highlights. The startup has backing from the likes of NBA commissioner emeritus David Stern and the NFLPA, which acquired a minority stake in July. That investment was made through the NFLPA’s One Team Collective, and the WNBPA deal was brokered by REP Worldwide, a sports group licensing effort spearheaded by the NFLPA.
WNBA players will begin using SportsCastr soon, with a dedicated portal within the app launching in the fourth quarter of 2018. FanChain will help fans buy tickets and merchandise, pay for subscriptions, access exclusive content, and even send virtual gifts to players.
“Women’s basketball fans are global and diverse,” said Andrew Schupak, CFO and head of strategy at SportsCastr, in the release. “By partnering with the WNBPA, we aim to build the international reach of WNBA players while delivering unparalleled access to their fans.”
SportTechie Takeaway
WNBA president Lisa Borders recently shared that overall regular season viewership increased 31 percent this season (as well as a seven-present uptick in social media video views), League Pass subscriptions were up 39 percent, and merchandise sales jumped 66 percent. The league is faring well, but several players have griped about receiving too little of league revenue (reportedly 20 percent). One avenue to ensure better compensation is for the WNBPA to find more partnerships and sponsorships such as this one. Some of the overseas women’s basketball leagues are also more lucrative, so an international platform like SportsCastr is a natural fit.