USATF switches streaming service to subscription model

The USA Track & Field national governing body has opted to switch its free online streaming service to a subscription-based model.

Prices for the new +Plus service on USATF.tv will start from $8.33 (€7.30) per month.

USATF launched the service in 2013 in partnership with track and field-focused digital media company RunnerSpace. The two parties have expanded their association to create an enhanced version of the service, which will feature new live and on-demand programming initiatives.

Under the new subscription model, customers will have access to the additional content and other RunnerSpace channels. The +Plus service will feature live coverage of all USATF track and field events, except those broadcast on pay-television channel NBCSN on Saturdays between 3pm and 5pm.

The launch of the subscription service coincides with the Drake Relays event, which is currently ongoing at the Drake Stadium in Iowa. The event began on Wednesday and concludes tomorrow (Saturday).

Subscribers to +Plus will be granted access to on-demand replays of Drake Relays races, as well as more than 70 live events. The service also includes more than 2,000 on-demand event archives and RunnerSpace-produced series.

RunnerSpace chief executive Ross Krempley said: “This expansion has been the long-term goal since USATF.tv launched in 2013. Initiating this expansion in the months leading up to the Rio Olympics is all about delivering more content to fans as interest in the sport grows.”