5 and Pluto TV have agreed a simulcast partnership covering 2 upcoming snooker events, extending distribution for The John Virgo Trophy and the World Seniors Snooker Championship.
The agreement marks the first time the two Paramount-backed broadcasters have worked together on the sport, with coverage aimed at expanding reach in the UK and internationally.
The John Virgo Trophy, to be held in Ireland on 11 and 12 April, will feature Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, John Higgins and Stephen Hendry. Pluto TV will carry the full tournament live, while viewers in the UK will also be able to watch on 5 Action or stream via the 5 app.
The partnership will continue in May with the World Seniors Snooker Championship, which runs from 6 to 10 May. 5 will again broadcast the event, while Pluto TV will stream it in the UK and a number of international markets including the United States, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Australia.
This year’s World Seniors tournament will include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams, Reanne Evans, Stuart Bingham, Ken Doherty, Jimmy White and Tony Drago. 5 said it will also provide second-table coverage on 5 streaming for the first time.
Raphael Pendergast, director of sport at 5, said the partnership with Pluto TV would help bring leading snooker names to the widest possible audience.
Olivier Jollet, EVP and head of Pluto TV EMEA and Asia, said snooker remains an important part of UK culture and that the deal would allow Pluto TV to reach more fans through both traditional and newer formats.
Jason Francis, owner of World Seniors Snooker and Snooker 900, said the agreement delivered substantial global reach for both events and could lead to further collaboration.
