WFTDA Announces Online Broadcast Partnership for Tournaments

Fans who can’t make it to all of WFTDA's Big 5 tournaments in person will now be able to watch the events via a live, high-definition video stream on wftda.com. WFTDA is pleased to announce an online broadcast partnership with Blaze Streaming Media, a live video production company that has been filming and broadcasting roller derby since 2009.

Prior to bidding on the 2011 WFTDA Big 5, Blaze Streaming Media served as the video production company for the 2010 West Region Playoffs, 2011 East Coast Derby Extravaganza, and the Wild West Showdown. Blaze has also worked on a broad portfolio of projects for Adidas, the U.S. Tennis Association, and the Portland Timbers Major League Soccer team.

This is the first year that WFTDA has centrally managed the video broadcast of its flagship Big 5 tournament events.

“We are excited to partner with Blaze Streaming Media to ensure that our fans see a consistent, high quality video stream of our tournaments,” said WFTDA Tournament Director Janis Kelley. “By consolidating broadcast rights under the association umbrella we can create better access to roller derby footage for fans, coaches, and skaters.”

Blaze will use multiple cameras to capture all of the action from different angles, and deliver the feed through a dedicated, reliable stream. WFTDA and Blaze are partnering with the Association of Flat Track Derby Announcers to provide experienced on-air talent for the video stream. Roller derby media outlets, such as the Derby News Network, will continue to be valued partners of the WFTDA in providing provide commentary, recaps, and analysis of the bouts.

WFTDA selected Blaze as its video contractor for 2011 after an open competitive bidding process. The 2012 Big 5 broadcaster contract will be opened for bidding early next year. For additional details on viewing the video broadcast, see http://wftda.com/2011-broadcast-info.