The World Endurance Championship (WEC) will offer what it describes as a 'bigger and better' livestreaming service this season following an overhaul of its app by Sportall.
Confirmed:
- Three subscription tiers available to fans
- Coverage is available through the app on iOS and Android, as well as online via the WEC.tv site and on Smart TVs
- Qualifying, race sessions and live timing are all available, as well as on-board cameras during races
- World feed commentary will be in both French and English
- Several hours of archive footage also on offer
- Coverage of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be blocked in the USA and Canada due to exclusive broadcasting agreements
Context: There are three types of passes available for viewers to purchase. The full access pass costs €39.99 and includes live qualifying sessions and races from all seven rounds of the season, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The second pass is called 'My Race' and grants access to coverage of one race for €6.99. Finally, viewers that want to tune in for the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans can pay €12.99 to see the historic race.
Comment:
Consequence: Free coverage of WEC has been available on YouTube in the past, so this transition moves the series behind a paywall for countries that did not have an exclusive broadcast agreement with the endurance championship. Not only is this an unpopular move, but there have also been some negative reviews of the new app, with many fans complaining of live timing not being available during the preseason event in Sebring.