Sports fans are among the most loyal audiences, making them a desirable target for brands seeking to reach engaged viewers. But as live sports move to streaming services, the value of a broadcast is shifting.Website
As big media companies struggle with escalating TV rights costs and the number of pay-TV subscribers willing to pay for them, they’re turning to direct-to-consumer services for live sport content in an attempt to diversify distribution channels, attract cord-cutting consumers, and mitigate escalating operating expenses across linear and digital platforms. Streaming services like Amazon Prime and Apple TV+ have already made significant investments in live sports, with the former having secured a $1 billion deal for NFL Thursday Night Football and the latter recently signing on to show MLS and MLB games through 2023.
The Role of Augmented Reality in the Future of Live Sports
Broadcasting a live sporting event requires an experienced production team that includes producers, camera operators, audio engineers, and graphics specialists. The process can be complex and a high-quality broadcast is critical to ensuring viewer satisfaction. Unlike traditional television broadcasts, live-streaming sports events often last longer than one hour, which can require substantial additional supplementary content such as pre-game shows, post-game analysis, and highlights.
Adding interactive features to a live sporting event can help increase audience engagement and enhance the viewing experience. These can include real-time stats, chats, live score updates, and other social media functions. Creating an authentic community around the event can also help boost brand awareness.