The IMG Events & Media agency has extended a deal with Panasonic for the Japanese electronics company to continue providing technology for Sport 24, the live sports channel produced and distributed by IMG exclusively for the in-flight and in-ship markets.
Sport 24 is exclusively available on the Panasonic eXTV live television system, which is broadcast via satellite to more than 250 planes from 10 airlines around the world.
The system utilises Panasonic’s eXConnect in-flight Ku-band communications service to deliver television programming to passengers during their flight.
Sports content available on Sport 24 includes the English Premier League and German Bundesliga top-tier club football competitions, as well as the Formula One motor-racing world championship and the NFL American football league. Sport 24 is currently broadcasting the Rugby World Cup national team tournament.
The extended deal with Panasonic will run for five years. Its confirmation comes after IMG this week also extended its agreement with the Premier League for in-flight and in-ship rights. The contract will run for three seasons, from 2016-17 to 2018-19.