July 02, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

EverPass Media Acquires UPshow, Allowing NFL Sunday Ticket to be Streamed at Commercial Businesses for the First Time Ever

UPshow brings immediate streaming solution to EverPass’ commercial-focused media platform

TKO Group Holdings invests in EverPass; Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO, joins EverPass Board alongside representatives from 32 Equity and RedBird Capital

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--EverPass Media, a leading media platform for distribution of premium live sports and entertainment content to commercial businesses, today announced it has acquired UPshow, a leading on-premise entertainment and performance marketing platform. The acquisition further accelerates EverPass’ business model, adding essential streaming, consumer engagement, and performance marketing capabilities to its IP-based content library, establishing a comprehensive and innovative media platform tailored specifically for commercial businesses. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

In addition to today’s acquisition, TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE, has made a strategic investment in EverPass. Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO, has joined the Board of EverPass, joining representatives from RedBird Capital and 32 Equity.

As part of the integration of UPshow into EverPass, businesses will now have the option to stream NFL Sunday Ticket for the first time ever starting with the upcoming 2024 NFL season. EverPass and UPshow are currently partners for Peacock Sports Pass, a sports package offering commercial businesses access to select events from Peacock’s live sports content library, including Big Ten football and basketball, Premier League and the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil.

The addition of UPshow provides vital technology infrastructure and streaming solutions to EverPass. Together, the combined company will unlock unparalleled flexibility, customization and engagement for commercial businesses, turning each screen into a dynamic, viewing experience and revenue generator. Key functional highlights include:

Centralized, Premium Content Hub – Allows for unparalleled flexibility with no capacity constraints, putting the power back in the operator’s hands.
Interactive Customer Experience – Engage with trivia, real-time betting odds, interactive stats, QR code activations and hundreds of short-form entertainment channels, all designed to deepen guest engagement.
Easier Management – Designed to simplify content management for venue staff with easy navigation, advance scheduling features, remote management and notification options around major events and games.
Data Analytics – Unlocks immediate insights into audience viewing patterns and preferences, equipping owners with actionable intelligence for content selection and allowing for sharper marketing tactics and promotions.
Innovative Ad Opportunities – Ability to create new revenue streams through ad products that engage and entertain via our expanded digital display network.
Performance Marketing – Seamless integration for key offers, loyalty programs and promotional campaigns, enabling targeted promotions to achieve greater measurable business results.

Derek Chang, EverPass Executive Chairman, said, “Just over a year ago we launched EverPass with a mission of creating the preeminent live sports and entertainment media platform built specifically for commercial establishments. Today’s announcements mark two important steps towards that goal. Adding UPshow’s impressive technology stack to our existing and growing content library gives us the infrastructure to continue to scale our business model and innovate around the out-of-home viewing experience while also giving business owners complete control of their entertainment content. We’re also glad to welcome Mark Shapiro and TKO to EverPass, whose leadership and expertise will support our continued growth as we look to be at the forefront of the shifting sports, media and entertainment ecosystem.”

Alex Kaplan, EverPass Chief Executive Officer, added, “As the media landscape continues to evolve, we’re seeing the true value of premium content. Having access to this content – and knowing how to monetize it with creative and engaging experiences – is essential to growing businesses as well as fanbases, which is what makes EverPass a vital partner for operators and rightsholders. We’re excited that through this acquisition, commercial businesses will now be able to stream NFL Sunday Ticket for the first time ever.”

Founded in 2015 by Adam Hirsen and Matt Gibbs, UPshow is the leading on-premise entertainment and performance marketing platform for screens, powering over 30,000 screens at hospitality, healthcare, automotive services and fitness locations across the country. The platform features robust marketing tools and an entertainment library of over 500 ad-free channels – ranging from live event streaming and hyper-local sports to breaking news and viral videos as well as cutting-edge second screen engagement features.

Adam Hirsen, Chief Executive Officer at UPshow, said, "We’re excited to start this next chapter of growth, now as a part of EverPass. Our ability to provide premium, in-demand content, like NFL Sunday Ticket, coupled with next-generation, live-engagement tools that bring operators a streamlined user experience and the opportunity to engage with clientele is unmatched and creates a must-have product and media platform for businesses. With our shared vision and complementary strengths, we are well-positioned to lead the evolution of on-premise entertainment and marketing."

“Live sports content is at its zenith, and the EverPass team is creating a remarkable platform purpose-built for the shared experiences both die-hard and casual sports fans crave,” said Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. “TKO is proud to join 32 Equity and RedBird in backing EverPass at this pivotal moment in its growth. From our position at the epicenter of sports and entertainment, we look forward to helping EverPass capitalize on all the opportunities ahead.”

To learn more about bringing EverPass to your business, visit https://www.everpass.com/

About EverPass Media

EverPass Media, backed by RedBird Capital Partners and 32 Equity, the strategic investment arm of the National Football League, is a media platform that distributes live sports and entertainment content to bars, restaurants, hotels and other commercial venues. Founded in 2023, EverPass launched initially as the exclusive distributor of NFL Sunday Ticket to commercial establishments in the United States. EverPass partners with rightsholders, distribution partners and business owners to create a one-stop-shop for commercial distribution of premium live events.

About RedBird Capital Partners

RedBird Capital Partners is a private investment firm that builds high-growth companies with strategic capital solutions to founders and entrepreneurs. The firm currently manages $10 billion in assets on behalf of a global group of blue-chip institutional and family office investors. Founded in 2014 by Gerry Cardinale, RedBird integrates sophisticated private equity investing with a hands-on business-building mandate that focuses on three core industry verticals – Sports, Media & Entertainment, and Financial Services. Over his 30-year investment career, Cardinale has partnered with founders and entrepreneurs to build some of the most iconic growth companies in their respective industries. For more information, please go to www.redbirdcap.com.

About UPshow

UPshow is the leading on-premise entertainment and performance marketing platform that develops branded digital networks for brick and mortar businesses. Its front-of-house solutions provide interactive digital marketing, entertainment and communications to drive measurable outcomes. Founded in 2015, UPshow reaches audiences through more than 30,000 screens in businesses worldwide. Learn more at upshow.tv.

About TKO

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO includes UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. Together, our organizations reach more than 1 billion households in approximately 210 countries and territories, and we organize more than 300 live events year-round, attracting more than two million fans. TKO is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR), a global sports and entertainment company.