NextVR and International Champions Cup (ICC) Partner to Deliver First Ever Virtual Reality Broadcast to International Soccer Fans

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif., July 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- NextVR, a technology company pioneering capture and delivery of live and on-demand virtual reality experiences, today announced a partnership with the International Champions Cup (ICC), the annual summer soccer tournament hosted by Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures. NextVR will bring live-streaming virtual reality (VR) to the sold-out International Champions Cup match on July 25 between Manchester United and FC Barcelona at Levi's® Stadium in Santa Clara. The first ever live VR broadcast of a major soccer tournament, the match will be captured from five premium vantage points on the field and live-streamed to fans, press and VIPs at the stadium, along with select locations worldwide.

NextVR and RSE Ventures aim to introduce fans to a new, highly-immersive way of experiencing a match in real time from anywhere in the world and demonstrates RSE's desire to partner with new, innovative technologies. Unlike conventional broadcast platforms, virtual reality transports fans to the field where they can follow the action up close. The virtual environment allows viewers the freedom to look around the stadium in any direction at any time.

"We are excited to partner with RSE Ventures and the International Champions Cup on this incredible tournament," said Brad Allen, Executive Chairman, NextVR. "We are putting fans in places where they would never be able to access in a stadium seat – a groundbreaking event for the world of soccer."

"Virtual reality will give fans the opportunity to experience live sports like never before," said Matt Higgins, Co-Founder and CEO of RSE Ventures. "The International Champions Cup live-stream of the Barcelona vs. FC Manchester United match will provide a glimpse of what is in store."

NextVR is leading the way in providing live, long-form broadcast quality content across all virtual reality devices, to a global audience. NextVR has tested and proven its live delivery platform with the NBA, NHL, MLB, U.S. Open and partnered with FOX Sports earlier this year to broadcast the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in California.

Highlights from the Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona match, as well as other premium experiences, will be available soon on NextVR's portal for use with any virtual reality device, including Oculus Rift, Sony Morpheus, Samsung GearVR, and HTC Vive. 

About NextVR
NextVR is the first and only technology company to enable the transmission of live, long-form virtual reality content in stereoscopic broadcast quality – leading the way for live and on-demand VR to become a mainstream entertainment medium. NextVR's compression technology allows fully-immersive content to be streamed with pristine quality using current home and mobile Internet connections. NextVR is executing on a global scale to bring live sporting events, large-scale concerts, cinematic productions, and more, to virtual reality. NextVR has a vast IP portfolio with more than 23 patents granted and pending for the capture, compression, transmission, and display of virtual reality content. The company was founded in 2009 by DJ Roller, an award-winning filmmaker and technologist, and Dave Cole, a veteran in stereoscopic imaging technology and software development. For more information, go to www.nextvr.com.

About RSE Ventures
Founded in 2012 by Stephen M. Ross and Matt Higgins, RSE Ventures is a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies. RSE builds, owns and operates companies in sports, media, entertainment and technology, including Catalyst Media Group, VaynerMedia, Vayner/RSE, Relevent Sports, Ascendent Sports Group and the International Champions Cup.

About the International Champions Cup
Launched in the summer of 2013, the International Champions Cup is a property of RSE Ventures, a multi-national sports and entertainment venture firm with a focus on new technologies. Now in its third season, ICC hosts major tournaments around the world. The 2015 International Champions Cup North America will run through August 5th and will feature 17 matches played across 12 regions throughout the world.  

The International Champions Cup is an annual summer soccer tournament organized by Relevent Sports, featuring the best clubs from around the world. A staple property of Relevent Sports and RSE Ventures, the International Champions Cup brings the best in soccer to iconic sports venues across North America, Australia, Europe and China.
Since its inception in 2013, more than one million fans have packed stadiums to watch clubs compete in the International Champions Cup, along with more than 700 million households watching worldwide.

About Relevent Sports
Relevent Sports provides an innovative approach to building a soccer presence in the United States and around the globe. Relevent Sports showcases the best matchups and tournaments in soccer featuring the top clubs, international teams and players. In addition to hosting the International Champions Cup every summer, Relevent Sports works closely with national teams including Brazil, Argentina and Portugal to host exhibition matches in major sports venues throughout the year. Utilizing brand development, grassroots planning, corporate sponsors, international touring and philanthropic initiatives, Relevent Sports promotes and grows the love of soccer worldwide.

SOURCE NextVR