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AOC celebrates G2 Esports’ 10th anniversary by teasing “two new esports monitors” ahead of IEM Cologne

PC Guide is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More Just over a month ago, AGON by AOC retained its title as the number one gaming monitor brand in the world for the sixth year in a row, based on figures from the IDC Worldwide […]

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Just over a month ago, AGON by AOC retained its title as the number one gaming monitor brand in the world for the sixth year in a row, based on figures from the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Gaming Tracker. And now, the manufacturer is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the renowned Esports organization G2. The brand has been an official sponsor for the team since 2018, but G2 Esports’ history goes back even further than that.

AOC has been busy releasing plenty of new gaming monitors lately, including three new budget models and the AOC GAMING U27G4R, which becomes the brand’s first model with ‘Dual-Frame’ technology to boost your refresh rate at a lower resolution. And at upcoming IEM Cologne 2025, it will reveal two new esports monitors; the exact details remain to be seen.

✓ A brief history of G2 Esports

  • G2 was originally formed by Carlos “ocelote” Rodríguez in November 2013 and was known as Gamers2
  • On October 15th, 2015, it was rebranded to G2 Esports
  • The organization is active in a number of esports titles and will compete at IEM Cologne for Counter-Strike 2
  • AOC will be announcing “two new esports monitors” at IEM Cologne next month, which kicks off on July 23rd


Full press release

Amsterdam, 24 June 2025 – AGON by AOC – the world’s leading gaming monitor brand, proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of G2 Esports, marking seven years as the esports organisation’s official monitor partner in their rise to becoming one of Europe’s most successful esports teams.

Supporting a decade of dominance

Since the launch of G2 Esports in October 2015, the organisation has grown from ambitious newcomers to global esports titans. AGON by AOC joined this journey in January 2018, equipping G2’s Berlin training facility with cutting-edge AGON AG251FZ monitors featuring 240 Hz refresh rates – beginning a partnership that would help shape the future of competitive gaming displays.

“Throughout G2’s incredible decade, we’ve been privileged to support them for over seven years of that journey,” says César Acosta, Gaming Product Manager at AGON by AOC. “From their historic Mid-Season Invitational 2019 victory to their recent qualification for Mid-Season Invitational 2025 in Vancouver, we’ve witnessed their evolution from challengers to champions. Our partnership exemplifies our commitment to supporting gamers at every level – from beginners taking their first steps to elite athletes like G2 competing on the world stage.”

Milestones in partnership

The collaboration has produced memorable moments, including the November 2018 launch of the G2590PX/G2 Esports Signature Edition monitor – bringing G2’s iconic samurai aesthetics and professional-grade 144 Hz performance to esports fans worldwide at an affordable price. During these years, through direct feedback from G2’s players, AGON by AOC has developed displays like the AGON PRO AG254FG with a 360 Hz refresh rate and Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer, or recent models such as the AGON PRO AG246FK with an impressive 540 Hz refresh rate, continuously pushing the boundaries of competitive gaming technology. This journey of innovation continues with the AGON PRO AG276UZD, which brings QD-OLED technology with 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms GtG response time at 4K resolution, offering gamers who wish to combine exceptional performance with ultra-high resolution.

Looking forward

As G2 Esports enters their second decade, AGON by AOC continues to stand by their side. César Acosta adds: “We’re excited to see G2 at IEM Cologne this year, where we’ll be unveiling two new esports monitors featuring exceptional speed and clarity that will set new standards for competitive gaming. As G2 celebrates 10 years, we’re preparing to launch technology that will define the next decade of esports.”

To commemorate G2’s 10th anniversary and the partnership with AGON by AOC, a special video celebrating the partnership is released, showcasing the evolution of gaming witnessed by the G2 Esports team.

With G2 Esports preparing to compete at Mid-Season Invitational 2025 in Vancouver (for League of Legends) from 27 June to 12 July, both organisations look forward to continuing their successful partnership into the next decade of competitive gaming.




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Nagravision, Broadpeak Partner on Sports Piracy Solution | TV Tech

CHESEAUX-SUR-LAUSANNE, Switzerland and PHOENIX—Nagravision announced today that it is extending its partnership with Broadpeak to deliver a next-generation streaming security solution for providers of live sports content. The joint solution “strategically detects, identifies, and disrupts pirate streams to degrade their quality and reliability, making them unwatchable, while preserving an uninterrupted service for paying customers, maximizing […]

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CHESEAUX-SUR-LAUSANNE, Switzerland and PHOENIX—Nagravision announced today that it is extending its partnership with Broadpeak to deliver a next-generation streaming security solution for providers of live sports content. The joint solution “strategically detects, identifies, and disrupts pirate streams to degrade their quality and reliability, making them unwatchable, while preserving an uninterrupted service for paying customers, maximizing both revenue protection and viewer satisfaction,” according to the companies.

The collaboration combines Nagravision’s AI-powered security analytics and real-time pirate disruption technologies with Broadpeak’s Advanced CDN with real-time security control.



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InterDigital Report Highlights Shift to Streaming in Sports Viewership Amid Technical Challenges

Households are shifting to streaming sports, facing challenges like buffering and video quality, according to a new report. Quiver AI Summary A recent report by InterDigital and Parks Associates highlights a significant shift in sports viewership, with an increasing number of households opting for streaming services over traditional pay TV. Currently, 40% of sports viewers […]

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Households are shifting to streaming sports, facing challenges like buffering and video quality, according to a new report.

Quiver AI Summary

A recent report by InterDigital and Parks Associates highlights a significant shift in sports viewership, with an increasing number of households opting for streaming services over traditional pay TV. Currently, 40% of sports viewers exclusively watch through digital platforms, and pure play streaming services contribute nearly 25% of the NFL’s broadcast revenue. However, over half of sports viewers experience technical issues like latency and buffering, indicating that streaming infrastructures need improvement. The report notes that younger demographics, particularly under 35, prefer social media for sports consumption and many face challenges related to video quality. Advanced video codecs are suggested as a solution to enhance the viewing experience, which is essential for engaging sports fans in interactive and immersive ways. Overall, the landscape of sports broadcasting is evolving as more viewers embrace streaming, presenting both opportunities and challenges for content providers.

Potential Positives

  • InterDigital has released a significant report indicating that 40% of sports viewers are now exclusively watching sports via streaming services, highlighting a major shift in consumer behavior that could benefit streaming platforms and companies like InterDigital that support this ecosystem.
  • The report reveals that sports fans spend an average of $88 per month on streaming services, underscoring the potential for increased revenue in the burgeoning streaming market.
  • InterDigital’s focus on advanced video codecs like HEVC and H.266 positions the company as a leader in addressing the technical challenges faced by sports viewers, which may enhance its reputation and market position in the streaming technology sector.
  • The study indicates a growing demand for interactive sports viewing experiences, opening new opportunities for technology providers and enhancing the value of InterDigital’s innovations in wireless and video technologies.

Potential Negatives

  • Over half (57%) of sports viewers face significant challenges when streaming sports, including issues like buffering and poor video quality, which could harm the user experience and affect viewership.
  • Nearly a third (30%) of sports viewers reported not subscribing to a streaming service that aired a sporting event they wanted to watch, indicating potential lost revenue opportunities for streaming providers.
  • Specific demographic groups, particularly younger viewers, reported even higher rates of technical issues, which may detract from the engagement of a key audience segment in the sports streaming market.

FAQ

What trends are emerging in sports streaming consumption?

Viewers are shifting from traditional pay TV to OTT subscriptions, with many watching sports exclusively on streaming platforms.

How much of the NFL’s broadcast revenue comes from streaming services?

Nearly a quarter of the NFL’s broadcast revenue is now generated from pure play streaming services.

What challenges do sports viewers face when streaming?

Over half of sports viewers experience technical issues like buffering and poor video quality while streaming live events.

What demographics are prevalent among sports streamers?

Younger viewers, especially those under 35, are more likely to watch sports on social media compared to older demographics.

What solutions are suggested for improving sports streaming quality?

Utilizing advanced video codecs like H.266 (VVC) can enhance streaming quality by reducing buffering and improving video performance.

Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.

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$IDCC Insider Trading Activity

$IDCC insiders have traded $IDCC stock on the open market 94 times in the past 6 months. Of those trades, 0 have been purchases and 94 have been sales.

Here’s a breakdown of recent trading of $IDCC stock by insiders over the last 6 months:

  • LAWRENCE LIREN CHEN (President and CEO) has made 0 purchases and 39 sales selling 100,000 shares for an estimated $20,832,391.
  • RICHARD BREZSKI (Chief Financial Officer) has made 0 purchases and 14 sales selling 31,530 shares for an estimated $6,757,299.
  • STEWART D HUTCHESON has made 0 purchases and 8 sales selling 8,398 shares for an estimated $1,797,393.
  • EEVA K. HAKORANTA (Chief Licensing Officer) has made 0 purchases and 4 sales selling 5,150 shares for an estimated $1,121,107.
  • RAJESH PANKAJ (Chief Technology Officer) has made 0 purchases and 5 sales selling 3,800 shares for an estimated $779,666.
  • JEAN F RANKIN has made 0 purchases and 9 sales selling 3,285 shares for an estimated $734,622.
  • JOSHUA D. SCHMIDT (CLO & Corp Secretary) has made 0 purchases and 4 sales selling 2,247 shares for an estimated $496,528.
  • JOHN D. JR. MARKLEY has made 0 purchases and 2 sales selling 1,384 shares for an estimated $306,293.
  • SAMIR ARMALY has made 0 purchases and 3 sales selling 779 shares for an estimated $176,456.
  • DEREK K ABERLE has made 0 purchases and 3 sales selling 692 shares for an estimated $156,676.
  • JOHN A KRITZMACHER has made 0 purchases and 3 sales selling 519 shares for an estimated $117,632.

To track insider transactions, check out Quiver Quantitative’s insider trading dashboard.

$IDCC Hedge Fund Activity

We have seen 259 institutional investors add shares of $IDCC stock to their portfolio, and 207 decrease their positions in their most recent quarter.

Here are some of the largest recent moves:

  • FIRST TRUST ADVISORS LP added 432,691 shares (+418.9%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $89,458,864
  • BOSTON PARTNERS removed 405,070 shares (-25.0%) from their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $83,748,222
  • GAMMA INVESTING LLC removed 297,892 shares (-99.4%) from their portfolio in Q2 2025, for an estimated $66,796,323
  • NEW VERNON CAPITAL HOLDINGS II LLC added 204,081 shares (+25257.5%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $42,193,746
  • FMR LLC added 174,982 shares (+3800.7%) to their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $36,177,528
  • SHANNON RIVER FUND MANAGEMENT LLC removed 156,643 shares (-41.0%) from their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $32,385,940
  • AMERICAN CENTURY COMPANIES INC removed 156,327 shares (-36.8%) from their portfolio in Q1 2025, for an estimated $32,320,607

To track hedge funds’ stock portfolios, check out Quiver Quantitative’s institutional holdings dashboard.

Full Release


  • More households are opting to only have an OTT subscription, scrapping pay TV

  • 40% of sports viewers exclusively watch sports via streaming services

  • Pure play streaming services account for nearly a quarter of the NFL’s broadcast revenue

WILMINGTON, Del., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The sports media landscape is shifting, with viewers increasingly turning to streaming via digital platforms, and parting ways with traditional broadcast and cable. But streaming services must deal with technical issues such as latency and buffering, as over half (57%) of sports viewers face challenges when streaming sports. This is according to a new paper released by InterDigital, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDCC), a wireless, video and AI technology research and development company, and research firm Parks Associates. The report, “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity”, reveals how streaming infrastructure must evolve in line with changing consumer viewing habits, especially with streaming players increasingly paying for sports broadcasting rights.

The paper, titled “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity,” explores how people consume live sports entertainment, from broadcast to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, direct-to-consumer (D2C) subscription models, pay-per-view, and paywall systems. It also covers the pain points viewers are facing and how the streaming ecosystem can keep up with demand.

With streaming subscriptions on the rise and cord cutting continuing, there are distinct viewing habits emerging among different demographics:

  • 42% of US internet households paid for a traditional pay TV service in Q1 2025, down from 62% in Q1 2020.
  • Over half (55%) of SVOD households subscribe to five or more SVOD services.
  • Sports fans are among the most valuable viewers, spending an average of $88 per month on streaming services, compared with $64 per month by those who don’t watch sports.
  • Two-fifths (40%) of sports viewers under 35 watch sports on social media platforms, compared to just 13% of those aged 55+.
  • More female sports fans than men stream sports exclusively (49% vs 42%).
  • 32% of sports viewers find placing bets in a streaming service attractive (spiking to 57% of sports viewers aged 25-44).

More than half (57%) of sports viewers face challenges when viewing live sports, including nearly a third (30%) highlighting that they did not subscribe to a streaming service airing a sporting event they had planned or wanted to watch. Other more technical challenges that viewers face include buffering and overall image quality. Specific challenges viewers cited include:

  • Almost one in five (18%) sports viewers reported poor quality video from a streaming service.
  • Just under a third (31%) of sports viewers aged 18-24 cited poor video quality (freezing, buffering, etc.), insufficient bandwidth for high quality streaming (25%), and lag (20%) as common problems when streaming sports.
  • Poor video quality is a particular problem for younger age groups who enjoy interactivity while watching sports, such as multi-view and in-game stats.

Poor video quality is increasingly impacting the sports viewing experience, and the paper argues that one solution is more efficient video codecs. For example, HEVC is well-suited for high-resolution content like 4K, where its compression efficiency helps reduce file sizes and improves bandwidth usage. It is also designed to handle the increased data demands of HDR video, which expands the range of colors and contrast in video. H.266 (VVC) is a next-generation solution to these challenges, offering even higher compression efficiency, improved video quality, and support for ultra-high resolutions particularly suited to streaming high-resolution content over mobile networks and broadcasting in ultra-high definition.

“Sports viewers should not have to deal with technical issues when watching their favorite sports teams. The broadcast and streaming ecosystem needs to work together to alleviate pain points or risk damaging their reputation for future events,” said Lionel Oisel, Head of Video Labs, at InterDigital. “While streaming services need to think holistically about the challenges that come with live video streams, more advanced video codecs can significantly reduce buffering and latency and improve the overall user experience.”

“The sports media landscape is transforming, as sports programming transitions from traditional broadcast and cable networks to streaming,” said Michael Goodman, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. “Sports fans now have more ways than ever to engage with their favorite teams or sports. Many niche sports and out-of-market matches, previously unavailable, are now easily accessible, which can expand the sports audience, and providers have new opportunities to engage viewers in interactive activities, such as multicasts, live chats, and in-game betting, provided the experience is easy and seamless.”

The full report, “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity,” is available to download
here
.


About InterDigital®

InterDigital is a global research and development company focused primarily on wireless, video, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and related technologies. We design and develop foundational technologies that enable connected, immersive experiences in a broad range of communications and entertainment products and services. We license our innovations worldwide to companies providing such products and services, including makers of wireless communications devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, cars and other motor vehicles, and providers of cloud-based services such as video streaming. As a leader in wireless technology, our engineers have designed and developed a wide range of innovations that are used in wireless products and networks, from the earliest digital cellular systems to 5G and today’s most advanced Wi-Fi technologies. We are also a leader in video processing and video encoding/decoding technology, with a significant AI research effort that intersects with both wireless and video technologies.

Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on Nasdaq.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

For more information, visit:
www.interdigital.com
.


InterDigital Contact:

Richard Lloyd

Email:
Richard.Lloyd@InterDigital.com

+1 (202) 349-1716

This article was originally published on Quiver News, read the full story.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.



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Echelon Acquires Fortë As It Grows B2B & Enterprise Fitness Arm

The deal bolsters Echelon’s SaaS strategy to deliver scalable, personalized fitness solutions through Elevate, its new B2B division Echelon Fitness has acquired Fortë, a B2B fitness streaming platform, as it expands into the commercial SaaS market and rebrands the division as Elevate by Echelon. The deal comes as Echelon builds momentum beyond at-home fitness. Over […]

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The deal bolsters Echelon’s SaaS strategy to deliver scalable, personalized fitness solutions through Elevate, its new B2B division

Echelon Fitness has acquired Fortë, a B2B fitness streaming platform, as it expands into the commercial SaaS market and rebrands the division as Elevate by Echelon.

The deal comes as Echelon builds momentum beyond at-home fitness. Over the past year, the connected fitness equipment company has expanded its portfolio to include telehealth services through ActiveMD, recovery tools through Echelon Recovery, personalized fitness via Echelon AI and one-on-one live personal training with Echelon Coach.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Founded in 2015 and backed by the LA Dodgers, Billie Jean King Enterprises, and Elysian Park, Fortë provides hardware and software for gyms, boutique studios, influencers and sports organizations to build branded live and on-demand fitness content and has grown to more than 457,000 users across 39 countries. Its client roster includes UFC Gym and 305 Fitness, along with boutique brands like Power + Flow and Melt Method.

Lou Lentine for Echelon
Lou Lentine | credit: Echelon

“At Echelon, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to live healthier, stronger lives by providing intelligent, accessible and personalized fitness and wellness experiences—anytime, anywhere,” Echelon Fitness CEO Lou Lentine said. “With Echelon’s proven U.S.-based technology team and Fortë’s innovative solutions, we can now combine our strengths to offer even more robust and reliable solutions for the enterprise customers.”

The acquisition also extends Echelon’s reach into AI-powered personalization.

“This acquisition also allows us to offer our embedded AI workout builder, developed in conjunction with AWS Gen AI Team, powered by generative AI models in Amazon BedRock, into thousands of gyms, plus providing customization and personalization for our enterprise partner,” Lentine said.

a woman using an Echelon fitness system
credit: Echelon

In May, John Santo, co-founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Echelon, stated that the company is already seeing early results from its AI efforts.

See Also

Personal trainer working out with client

“AI allows us to get more granular, ensuring members are using the right equipment, engaging with the right content and getting the right experience for them,” Santo said. “This level of personalization is already transforming retention, with an initial studio analysis projecting a 7% increase in retention rates.”

Fortë’s platform also integrates with major member management systems, including ABC, Mindbody, Mariana Tek and Daxko.

“Our goal has always been to empower fitness brands to scale their impact through advanced, user-friendly technology,” Fortë founder and CEO Lauren Foundos said. “By joining forces with Echelon, we can extend this vision to even more global communities, benefiting from Echelon’s momentum, innovation, and unwavering commitment to personalized wellness.”

Advisors to the deal included Mo Iqbal, founder of SweatWorks, and Stewart Miller.





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U.S. stocks set more records as Verizon begins a big week for profit reports with a beat | News, Sports, Jobs

Trader Ryan Falvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew) NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes inched their way to more records on Monday to kick off a week full of profit updates from big U.S. companies. The S&P 500 […]

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Trader Ryan Falvey works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stock indexes inched their way to more records on Monday to kick off a week full of profit updates from big U.S. companies.

The S&P 500 rose 0.1% and squeaked past its prior all-time high set on Thursday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged down by 19 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record.

Verizon Communications helped lead the way and rose 4%. The telecom giant reported a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected, along with higher revenue than forecast. Following the better-than-expected performance, Verizon raised its forecasts for profit and other financial measures for the full year.

That helped offset a 5.4% drop for Sarepta Therapeutics, which continued to fall after the Food and Drug Administration said on Friday that it asked the company to voluntarily stop all shipments of Elevidys, its gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, due to safety concerns.

Block, Jack Dorsey’s company behind Square, Cash App and other tech brands climbed 7.6% in its first trading after learning it will join the widely followed and imitated S&P 500 index. It will take the place of Hess, which Chevron bought, before trading begins on Wednesday.

Cleveland-Cliffs rallied 12.4% after the steel producer reported a smaller loss for the spring than analysts expected. It shipped a record 4.3 million net tons of steel during the quarter, and CEO Lourenco Goncalves said the company has begun to see “the positive impact that tariffs have on domestic manufacturing” and other things.

It’s a major supplier to the auto industry, and President Donald Trump’s tariffs steer companies hoping to sell cars in the United States toward steel made in the country.

Other U.S. companies, though, are navigating the downsides and complications of tariffs, which raise prices on all kinds of things imported to the United States. That includes General Motors, which will report its latest profit results later this week, along with such market heavyweights as Alphabet, Coca-Cola and Tesla.

Many of Trump’s stiff proposed tariffs are currently on pause after Trump extended the deadline for talks with other countries in order to give more time to reach potential trade deals that could lower the tax rates. The next big deadline, at least for now, is Aug. 1.

It’s still early days in this earnings reporting season, but most big U.S. companies have been topping analysts’ expectations, as is usually the case.

Some encouraging undertones may already be emerging. An upward inflection in demand for travel that United Airlines said it’s seen recently, combined with better-than-expected data on U.S. retail sales, may indicate that U.S. consumers remain in decent health, Bank of America strategist Savita Subramanian said in a BofA Global Research report. That could offer a strong source of support for the economy.

Companies will need to keep delivering solid profit growth to tamp down criticism that the U.S. stock market may be looking expensive again after prices reached records despite potential worries about tariffs and the economy.

All told, the S&P 500 rose 8.81 points to 6,305.60. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 19.12 to 44,323.07, and the Nasdaq composite rose 78.52 to 20,974.17.

In the bond market, Treasury yields eased. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.38% from 4.44% late Friday.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed in Europe after finishing modestly higher in much of Asia.

Markets were closed for a holiday in Japan, where the ruling Liberal Democrats lost their coalition majorities in both houses of parliament for the first time since 1955 following Sunday’s upper house election and the loss of their lower house majority in October.

A grim Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to stay on after the drubbing by voters frustrated over rising prices and political instability. Analysts said they expect his weakened government to crank up spending, adding to Japan’s huge debt burden.



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Top 10 Sports Innovations Changing the Game—How Technology, Science, and New Rules Are Shaping the Future of Athletics

From AI-Driven Coaching to Smart Stadiums, These Trends Are Revolutionizing How We Play, Watch, and Understand Sports Sports are about more than just the score. Behind every goal, race, or record, there’s a story of evolution—athletes get faster, training gets smarter, and technology reshapes the action for players and fans alike. Whether you’re a weekend […]

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From AI-Driven Coaching to Smart Stadiums, These Trends Are Revolutionizing How We Play, Watch, and Understand Sports

Sports are about more than just the score. Behind every goal, race, or record, there’s a story of evolution—athletes get faster, training gets smarter, and technology reshapes the action for players and fans alike. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a diehard spectator, today’s innovations are changing the way we experience the thrill of competition. Here are the top 10 sports innovations redefining the game right now.

1. Wearable Technology and Athlete Tracking

Smartwatches, GPS vests, and biosensors now monitor heart rate, speed, distance, and even hydration in real time.

Elite teams use data from wearables to optimize training, prevent injuries, and recover faster.

Fans see the impact, too, with live stats and player performance breakdowns during broadcasts.

Even amateur athletes use fitness trackers and apps to train smarter and stay motivated.

2. Video Assistant Referees (VAR) and Instant Replay

Love it or hate it, VAR and instant replay have changed how we judge fairness in football (soccer), tennis, baseball, and more.

Close calls—goals, fouls, line-outs—are reviewed with high-speed cameras and sophisticated software.

Controversial moments are now re-examined from every angle, increasing accuracy but sparking debates about the human side of sport.

The technology is still evolving, promising even greater precision and transparency in officiating.

3. Sports Analytics and “Moneyball” Tactics

Data-driven strategy—pioneered in baseball’s “Moneyball” era—now shapes team decisions in basketball, football, and beyond.

Teams analyze player stats, biometrics, and even social media behavior to draft talent, set lineups, and call plays.

Advanced analytics uncover hidden gems and undervalued players, leveling the playing field for smaller teams.

Fans can now dive deep into stats, fantasy leagues, and prediction games for a new kind of engagement.

4. High-Tech Equipment and Smart Apparel

From carbon-fiber bikes to aerodynamic swimsuits and 3D-printed running shoes, sports gear is getting lighter, faster, and more personalized.

Custom-fit mouthguards, helmets, and shoes help reduce injuries and improve comfort.

Innovations like anti-slip gloves, “smart” soccer balls, and connected rackets offer real-time feedback for performance improvement.

Eco-friendly materials are increasingly used to lessen the environmental footprint of sports equipment.

5. eSports and Virtual Competition

eSports has exploded from niche pastime to billion-dollar industry, filling arenas and streaming to millions.

Pro gamers train like athletes, with coaches, analysts, and even nutritionists.

The line between physical and digital sport blurs as traditional teams invest in eSports franchises.

Games like FIFA, NBA 2K, and Formula 1 are now part of the global sports conversation.

6. Smart Stadiums and Fan Experience

Modern arenas feature ultra-fast Wi-Fi, interactive apps, cashless payments, and AR/VR experiences.

Fans order snacks, replay highlights, or connect with friends right from their seats.

Green stadiums use solar panels, rainwater collection, and zero-waste initiatives to reduce their environmental impact.

The future of “hybrid” events means you can cheer from home and feel like you’re in the front row.

7. Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

High-speed cameras and motion-capture systems study every movement, from a pitcher’s throw to a gymnast’s vault.

Biomechanics help coaches fine-tune technique, boost performance, and prevent overuse injuries.

The insights gained are often shared with the medical community, benefiting both elite and recreational athletes.

Training programs now use real-time feedback to help athletes make micro-adjustments for big gains.

8. Nutrition Science and Personalization

Sports nutrition is now tailored to individual metabolism, genetics, and goals.

Athletes use DNA testing, gut microbiome analysis, and AI-driven meal plans to maximize energy and recovery.

Supplements and “functional foods” are designed to reduce inflammation, boost endurance, and sharpen mental focus.

Proper hydration, timing, and fueling strategies are key to winning at every level.

9. Mental Health and Performance Psychology

Teams and organizations are finally prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical training.

Sports psychologists teach visualization, focus, resilience, and stress management.

Programs address burnout, anxiety, and social pressures—breaking the stigma around seeking help.

Athletes like Simone Biles and Michael Phelps have spoken openly about their mental health journeys, inspiring a new generation.

10. Inclusivity and Adaptive Sports

Adaptive sports—designed for athletes with disabilities—are gaining visibility thanks to the Paralympics and grassroots programs.

Wheelchair basketball, para-swimming, and adaptive surfing offer new ways for everyone to compete.

Gender inclusivity is also on the rise, with more leagues and events for women, non-binary, and transgender athletes.

Accessibility in stadiums, equipment, and media ensures that sports truly belong to all.

Why Sports Innovation Matters

Athlete Safety: New tech and science protect players’ bodies and minds.

Performance: Small improvements add up to world records and new levels of achievement.

Fan Engagement: Smarter stadiums and data let fans connect and participate in new ways.

Global Access: Technology and inclusion make sports available to more people than ever.

How You Can Join the Sports Innovation Wave

Try a new fitness tracker or sports app to boost your routine.

Watch an eSports tournament or adaptive sports event—expand your definition of “athlete.”

Follow athletes and teams pioneering new approaches on social media.

Stay curious—many innovations in sport filter down to everyday life, from shoes to mental skills.

Honorable Mentions

Hydration trackers: Smart bottles and patches.

Virtual reality training: Used by quarterbacks, pilots, and more.

Drone footage and immersive broadcasts: Bringing fans closer to the action.

Self-healing sports surfaces: For safer play.

🎧 Game Day Soundtrack

Get hyped for your workout or favorite game with our Spotify playlist.

✨ For More Deep Dives, Sports Culture, and Inspiring Stories

Check out:

👉 https://theintelligence.info



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57% of Sports Viewers Face Major Streaming Challenges, New Study Reveals

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) and Parks Associates have released a comprehensive research paper revealing significant challenges in sports streaming consumption. The study highlights that 57% of sports viewers face technical difficulties when streaming sports, with issues ranging from buffering to poor video quality. Key findings show that only 42% […]

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InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) and Parks Associates have released a comprehensive research paper revealing significant challenges in sports streaming consumption. The study highlights that 57% of sports viewers face technical difficulties when streaming sports, with issues ranging from buffering to poor video quality.

Key findings show that only 42% of US households maintained traditional pay TV services in Q1 2025, down from 62% in Q1 2020. Sports fans represent high-value customers, spending $88 monthly on streaming services compared to $64 for non-sports viewers. The research also reveals that 49% of female sports fans stream exclusively, compared to 42% of male fans, while 32% of viewers are interested in in-stream betting capabilities.

The report suggests that advanced video codecs like HEVC and H.266 (VVC) could help address these technical challenges by improving compression efficiency and video quality for high-resolution content.

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) e Parks Associates hanno pubblicato un dettagliato studio che evidenzia le principali difficoltà nella fruizione dello streaming sportivo. La ricerca mostra che il 57% degli spettatori sportivi incontra problemi tecnici durante lo streaming, con difficoltà che vanno dal buffering alla scarsa qualità video.

I dati principali indicano che solo il 42% delle famiglie statunitensi ha mantenuto i servizi TV tradizionali nel primo trimestre del 2025, in calo rispetto al 62% del primo trimestre 2020. Gli appassionati di sport rappresentano clienti di alto valore, spendendo 88 dollari al mese per i servizi di streaming contro i 64 dollari dei non appassionati. La ricerca evidenzia inoltre che il 49% delle donne tifose fruisce esclusivamente in streaming, rispetto al 42% degli uomini, mentre il 32% degli spettatori è interessato alle funzionalità di scommesse integrate nello streaming.

Il report suggerisce che codec video avanzati come HEVC e H.266 (VVC) potrebbero contribuire a risolvere queste problematiche tecniche migliorando l’efficienza della compressione e la qualità video per contenuti ad alta risoluzione.

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) y Parks Associates han publicado un estudio exhaustivo que revela importantes desafíos en el consumo de streaming deportivo. El estudio destaca que el 57% de los espectadores deportivos enfrentan dificultades técnicas al transmitir deportes, con problemas que van desde el buffering hasta la baja calidad de video.

Los hallazgos clave muestran que solo el 42% de los hogares en EE.UU. mantuvieron servicios tradicionales de TV paga en el primer trimestre de 2025, frente al 62% en el primer trimestre de 2020. Los aficionados al deporte son clientes de alto valor, gastando 88 dólares mensuales en servicios de streaming en comparación con 64 dólares para quienes no ven deportes. La investigación también revela que el 49% de las aficionadas al deporte transmiten exclusivamente, en comparación con el 42% de los hombres, mientras que el 32% de los espectadores están interesados en capacidades de apuestas integradas en la transmisión.

El informe sugiere que codecs de video avanzados como HEVC y H.266 (VVC) podrían ayudar a resolver estos desafíos técnicos mejorando la eficiencia de compresión y la calidad del video para contenido de alta resolución.

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC)와 Parks Associates가 스포츠 스트리밍 소비에서 중요한 문제점을 밝힌 종합 연구 보고서를 발표했습니다. 연구에 따르면 스포츠 시청자의 57%가 스트리밍 시 버퍼링부터 저화질 영상까지 다양한 기술적 어려움을 겪고 있습니다.

주요 결과로는 2025년 1분기 미국 가구 중 전통 유료 TV 서비스를 유지하는 비율이 42%로, 2020년 1분기의 62%에서 감소한 것으로 나타났습니다. 스포츠 팬은 높은 가치를 지닌 고객으로, 비스포츠 시청자 대비 월 88달러를 스트리밍 서비스에 지출합니다. 또한 연구는 여성 스포츠 팬의 49%가 전적으로 스트리밍을 이용하며, 남성 팬은 42%인 반면, 시청자의 32%는 스트리밍 내 베팅 기능에 관심이 있다고 밝혔습니다.

보고서는 HEVC 및 H.266 (VVC)와 같은 고급 비디오 코덱이 압축 효율성과 고해상도 콘텐츠의 영상 품질을 개선하여 이러한 기술적 문제를 해결하는 데 도움이 될 수 있다고 제안합니다.

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) et Parks Associates ont publié une étude approfondie révélant des défis importants dans la consommation de streaming sportif. L’étude souligne que 57 % des spectateurs sportifs rencontrent des difficultés techniques lors du streaming, avec des problèmes allant du buffering à une mauvaise qualité vidéo.

Les résultats clés montrent que seulement 42 % des foyers américains ont conservé les services TV payants traditionnels au premier trimestre 2025, contre 62 % au premier trimestre 2020. Les fans de sport sont des clients à forte valeur ajoutée, dépensant 88 $ par mois pour les services de streaming contre 64 $ pour les non-sportifs. L’étude révèle également que 49 % des fans de sport féminines regardent exclusivement en streaming, contre 42 % des hommes, tandis que 32 % des spectateurs s’intéressent aux fonctionnalités de paris intégrés au streaming.

Le rapport suggère que des codecs vidéo avancés comme HEVC et H.266 (VVC) pourraient aider à résoudre ces problèmes techniques en améliorant l’efficacité de compression et la qualité vidéo pour les contenus en haute résolution.

InterDigital (NASDAQ:IDCC) und Parks Associates haben eine umfassende Studie veröffentlicht, die erhebliche Herausforderungen beim Sport-Streaming aufzeigt. Die Untersuchung zeigt, dass 57 % der Sportzuschauer technische Schwierigkeiten beim Streaming erleben, von Pufferung bis hin zu schlechter Videoqualität.

Wesentliche Erkenntnisse zeigen, dass nur 42 % der US-Haushalte im ersten Quartal 2025 traditionelle Pay-TV-Dienste nutzten, im Vergleich zu 62 % im ersten Quartal 2020. Sportfans sind wertvolle Kunden, die monatlich 88 US-Dollar für Streaming-Dienste ausgeben, verglichen mit 64 US-Dollar bei Nicht-Sportzuschauern. Die Studie zeigt zudem, dass 49 % der weiblichen Sportfans ausschließlich streamen, gegenüber 42 % der männlichen Fans, während 32 % der Zuschauer an In-Stream-Wettfunktionen interessiert sind.

Der Bericht schlägt vor, dass fortschrittliche Videocodecs wie HEVC und H.266 (VVC) helfen könnten, diese technischen Probleme durch verbesserte Kompressionseffizienz und Videoqualität bei hochauflösenden Inhalten zu lösen.

Positive


  • Sports fans demonstrate high monetization potential, spending 37.5% more on streaming than non-sports viewers ($88 vs $64 monthly)

  • 55% of SVOD households subscribe to five or more streaming services, showing strong market penetration

  • Growing opportunity in sports betting integration, with 57% of viewers aged 25-44 interested in placing bets through streaming services

Negative


  • 57% of sports viewers experience technical challenges when streaming sports content

  • 30% of viewers cannot access desired sports content due to streaming service limitations

  • 18% of sports viewers report poor video quality issues, rising to 31% among younger viewers aged 18-24












  • More households are opting to only have an OTT subscription, scrapping pay TV
  • 40% of sports viewers exclusively watch sports via streaming services
  • Pure play streaming services account for nearly a quarter of the NFL’s broadcast revenue

WILMINGTON, Del., July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The sports media landscape is shifting, with viewers increasingly turning to streaming via digital platforms, and parting ways with traditional broadcast and cable. But streaming services must deal with technical issues such as latency and buffering, as over half (57%) of sports viewers face challenges when streaming sports. This is according to a new paper released by InterDigital, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDCC), a wireless, video and AI technology research and development company, and research firm Parks Associates. The report, “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity”, reveals how streaming infrastructure must evolve in line with changing consumer viewing habits, especially with streaming players increasingly paying for sports broadcasting rights.

The paper, titled “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity,” explores how people consume live sports entertainment, from broadcast to subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) services, direct-to-consumer (D2C) subscription models, pay-per-view, and paywall systems. It also covers the pain points viewers are facing and how the streaming ecosystem can keep up with demand.

With streaming subscriptions on the rise and cord cutting continuing, there are distinct viewing habits emerging among different demographics:

  • 42% of US internet households paid for a traditional pay TV service in Q1 2025, down from 62% in Q1 2020.
  • Over half (55%) of SVOD households subscribe to five or more SVOD services.
  • Sports fans are among the most valuable viewers, spending an average of $88 per month on streaming services, compared with $64 per month by those who don’t watch sports.
  • Two-fifths (40%) of sports viewers under 35 watch sports on social media platforms, compared to just 13% of those aged 55+.
  • More female sports fans than men stream sports exclusively (49% vs 42%).
  • 32% of sports viewers find placing bets in a streaming service attractive (spiking to 57% of sports viewers aged 25-44).

More than half (57%) of sports viewers face challenges when viewing live sports, including nearly a third (30%) highlighting that they did not subscribe to a streaming service airing a sporting event they had planned or wanted to watch. Other more technical challenges that viewers face include buffering and overall image quality. Specific challenges viewers cited include:

  • Almost one in five (18%) sports viewers reported poor quality video from a streaming service.
  • Just under a third (31%) of sports viewers aged 18-24 cited poor video quality (freezing, buffering, etc.), insufficient bandwidth for high quality streaming (25%), and lag (20%) as common problems when streaming sports.
  • Poor video quality is a particular problem for younger age groups who enjoy interactivity while watching sports, such as multi-view and in-game stats.

Poor video quality is increasingly impacting the sports viewing experience, and the paper argues that one solution is more efficient video codecs. For example, HEVC is well-suited for high-resolution content like 4K, where its compression efficiency helps reduce file sizes and improves bandwidth usage. It is also designed to handle the increased data demands of HDR video, which expands the range of colors and contrast in video. H.266 (VVC) is a next-generation solution to these challenges, offering even higher compression efficiency, improved video quality, and support for ultra-high resolutions particularly suited to streaming high-resolution content over mobile networks and broadcasting in ultra-high definition.

“Sports viewers should not have to deal with technical issues when watching their favorite sports teams. The broadcast and streaming ecosystem needs to work together to alleviate pain points or risk damaging their reputation for future events,” said Lionel Oisel, Head of Video Labs, at InterDigital. “While streaming services need to think holistically about the challenges that come with live video streams, more advanced video codecs can significantly reduce buffering and latency and improve the overall user experience.”

“The sports media landscape is transforming, as sports programming transitions from traditional broadcast and cable networks to streaming,” said Michael Goodman, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. “Sports fans now have more ways than ever to engage with their favorite teams or sports. Many niche sports and out-of-market matches, previously unavailable, are now easily accessible, which can expand the sports audience, and providers have new opportunities to engage viewers in interactive activities, such as multicasts, live chats, and in-game betting, provided the experience is easy and seamless.”

The full report, “Streaming Live Sports: Where Opportunity Meets Complexity,” is available to download here.

About InterDigital®
InterDigital is a global research and development company focused primarily on wireless, video, artificial intelligence (“AI”), and related technologies. We design and develop foundational technologies that enable connected, immersive experiences in a broad range of communications and entertainment products and services. We license our innovations worldwide to companies providing such products and services, including makers of wireless communications devices, consumer electronics, IoT devices, cars and other motor vehicles, and providers of cloud-based services such as video streaming. As a leader in wireless technology, our engineers have designed and developed a wide range of innovations that are used in wireless products and networks, from the earliest digital cellular systems to 5G and today’s most advanced Wi-Fi technologies. We are also a leader in video processing and video encoding/decoding technology, with a significant AI research effort that intersects with both wireless and video technologies.

Founded in 1972, InterDigital is listed on Nasdaq.

InterDigital is a registered trademark of InterDigital, Inc.

For more information, visit: www.interdigital.com.

InterDigital Contact:
Richard Lloyd
Email: Richard.Lloyd@InterDigital.com
+1 (202) 349-1716










FAQ



What percentage of sports viewers face challenges when streaming live sports in 2025?


According to the InterDigital research, 57% of sports viewers face challenges when streaming sports, including buffering, poor image quality, and access limitations.


How much do sports fans spend on streaming services compared to non-sports viewers?


Sports fans spend an average of $88 per month on streaming services, which is $24 more than non-sports viewers who spend an average of $64 monthly.


What is the current state of traditional pay TV subscriptions in 2025?


As of Q1 2025, only 42% of US internet households subscribe to traditional pay TV services, showing a significant decline from 62% in Q1 2020.


How many sports viewers are interested in betting through streaming services?


32% of sports viewers find placing bets in a streaming service attractive, with this number increasing to 57% among viewers aged 25-44.


What are the main technical challenges faced by sports streamers?


The main technical challenges include buffering, poor video quality (affecting 18% of viewers), insufficient bandwidth, and lag, with younger viewers aged 18-24 experiencing these issues more frequently.








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