FOX Sports will usher in a new age of sports broadcasting after signing a deal with Next VR to broadcast live sport in virtual reality free of charge.

Specific details of the five year deal haven’t been released but the first live, free-to-air VR broadcast will kick off starting with the Daytona 500 on Sunday.

Virtual reality has been bandied about over the past six months with numerous sports organisations like the Golden State Warriors streaming their season opener on VR. And with other sports organisations using VR to boost fan engagement, FOX Sports will become the first broadcaster to signal a permanent move into the realm of virtual reality.

It’s not a completely new field for FOX Sports with the broadcaster working with NextVR to produce a number of live sports events over the past year including the U.S Open Golf Championship as well as a NASCAR race.

With more broadcasters endeavouring to use technology to improve fan viewing experiences, the move is hardly a surprise. However, the move, which is very much a sudden one, may prompt many other broadcasters to also join the VR game.

Executive Chairman at NextVR Brad Allen said it was before long that live VR streams would be here to stay.

“This is a watershed moment, or tipping point in the world of virtual reality,” he said.

“FOX Sports is a major player and this partnership with them is a milestone in VR and providing these live experiences is unlike anything before. We’re very excited.”