This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

A couple weeks ago we talked about the Formula One TV package landing on ESPN through Sky Sports for the next two years.

Now we learn that the ESPN deal may become a test bed for what’s called Over the Top services that could see F1 disappear behind pay walls as well as pit walls.
Nu F1 Logo
The current broadcast rights holder in F1 is Liberty Media, a conglomerate that paid a reported eight billion dollars for those rights. Obviously Liberty wants its money back and more.

Over the Top is a media distribution practice that allows a streaming content provider to sell audio, video, and other media services directly to the consumer through internet streaming. It bypasses traditional cable or broadcast service providers.

Curiously, NBC isn’t going away. F1 TV Pro will be the branding in this new service and NBC is expected to be involved that will stream every session live and gain access to on-board cameras and archive footage.

Major League Baseball, the NBA and NFL already have pay walls. So, F1 fans, get your credit cards ready! And don’t think NASCAR isn’t watching with plans like this of their own.

Peace.