Technology

ESPN VR tech shown in play breakdowns

The sports broadcasting world has seen plenty of talk about innovation over the years. Some new technologies have become widely accepted, like the first-down line in football and Hawk-Eye tracking in tennis and hockey. Others, like Fox’s NHL glow puck, fizzled out quickly. One of the latest innovations is the use of virtual reality (VR) […]

Published

6 days ago

May 30, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The sports broadcasting world has seen plenty of talk about innovation over the years. Some new technologies have become widely accepted, like the first-down line in football and Hawk-Eye tracking in tennis and hockey. Others, like Fox’s NHL glow puck, fizzled out quickly.

One of the latest innovations is the use of virtual reality (VR) to have studio analysts break down highlights. For example, on ESPN’s coverage of Game 5 of the NHL Western Conference Final between the Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars, analyst P.K. Subban used a VR headset to explain a key Connor McDavid goal:

P.K. Subban uses VR on ESPN to break down the Connor McDavid goal in Game 5. #NHL https://t.co/NZ0O9eII9a pic.twitter.com/7mtQGdwk2o

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 30, 2025

ESPN previously did this on their coverage of Game 5 of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves-Oklahoma City Thunder Western Conference Final on Wednesday, putting analyst Tim Legler on the (virtual) floor for a breakdown.

This technology is similar to what ESPN has used in animated broadcasts, such as the NFL with The Simpsons or the NHL with Big City Greens, or the NBA with Dunk The Halls, where announcers are inserted into animated environments. But, rather than converting the players into animated figures, they look more like standard video-game representations here.

The main new feature is that analysts like Subban can view the play from different ice- or court-level perspectives, helping them explain the action as if they were right there on the floor or rink.

ESPN announced this VR initiative on Thursday. It combines Hawk-Eye’s limb-tracking data with Beyond Sports’ avatar technology. Analysts wear Meta Quest Pro headsets to enter these immersive environments. ESPN’s Andrea DiCristoforo said this will be used for both NHL and NBA playoff coverage.

“Once we saw what Beyond Sports could do with tracking data, we realized we could show the action from any angle and immerse our analysts directly in the environment — something we felt would create a unique and engaging experience for fans,” said Phil Orlins, VP, Production.

…“I feel like this tech was made for guys like me who really want to teach the game,” said NBA commentator Tim Legler. “It lets me show viewers what players are actually processing in real time, which gives you a deeper understanding of their decision-making. Hopefully, it helps fans notice things the next time they watch a game — stuff they might’ve missed or not fully understood before.

“It changes the perspective from being in studio to actually being on the ice, which allows me to break down the play a lot more accurately…,” added NHL analyst P.K. Subban. ”Standing on the ice, you have a better understanding of spacing where the puck is in angles, so it really gives us a big advantage.”

…“As real-time data becomes faster and more precise, and as avatar realism continues to evolve — much like the progression of video game graphics — we’re unlocking the ability to put fans and analysts directly into the game environment,” said Orlins. “Over time, these experiences will only get more immersive and lifelike, making this kind of virtual, data-driven storytelling an increasingly important and common part of how fans engage with live sports.”

It’s notable that ESPN is experimenting with this technology not just in animated broadcasts but also in standard ones, and across multiple sports. While its NHL coverage is now complete for the year (TNT has the Stanley Cup Final), it’ll return with the NBA Finals on ABC starting June 5. It’ll be interesting to see if VR technology takes a bigger role then.

Link

Technology

Sponsored: The Importance of Reliability in Critical Broadcast Operations

Consumers today expect broadcast content to be available whenever, and wherever they want. Broadcasters are under increasing pressure to create and disseminate content in real-time and on-demand across an ever-growing number of platforms and formats. If they don’t, their competitors will. In this environment, downtime is not an option, and reliable broadcast operations are a […]

Published

39 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

In this environment, downtime is not an option, and reliable broadcast operations are a must. This article will explore the impact of broadcast outages and the resulting downtime and explain what to look for in a technology partner to prevent it. 

Key challenges facing media companies today

The broadcast industry faces a litany of challenges today that impact both business viability and production quality. Mounting consumer expectations and an increasingly complex broadcasting landscape continuously put pressure on broadcasters to be everywhere, all the time. 

Some factors at play include: 

Increased audience demand for instantaneous and continuous coverage

Consumer habits have shifted dramatically over the past three decades thanks to the rise in handheld mobile devices, streaming platforms, and near-universal access to WiFi or network connections. In this landscape, consumers expect instant access to live and on-demand content across multiple platforms. 

This expectation for real-time and packaged content amplifies the pressures on media companies to maintain flawless operations and uptime, while also producing high-quality and engaging content for a growing list of platforms and devices. 

Increasingly complex production demands 

Because of this evolving—and accelerating—consumer landscape, production workflows have also become more complex. Production techniques have had to evolve to keep pace with what consumers expect from certain platforms, meaning the technology that’s used to create that content also needs to evolve. 

To create more engaging and dynamic content, broadcasters may expand their production stack to include more dynamic camera shots and moves, AR graphics, and other interactive visual elements. Production workflows may also pivot from on-premises to cloud or hybrid environments. As this complexity ramps up, more possible points of failure emerge.

Steep competition and budget constraints

This increased demand comes against a backdrop of steeper competition and budget constraints in the broadcasting industry—particularly in news production. 

In this environment, organizations have to make the most out of the revenue they have. They must be intelligent to boost the quality of their content, the efficiency of their workflows, and their ability to disseminate across multiple channels in real-time and on-demand. This is on top of the need to work remotely in an increasingly dispersed talent environment. 

Downtime is not an option. It’s a high-pressure, high-paced world with significant consumer demands and an ever-deepening competitive market that includes content creators from outside of traditional broadcasting channels. 

The consequences of operational failure in broadcasting

The impact of technology downtime is felt in virtually every business, in every sector. Society has become deeply dependent on our technology infrastructure, making even the smallest outage a major inconvenience. 

Broadcasters, however, face even heavier pressures to remain operational at all times. When other platforms go down, broadcasters are expected to be the source of real-time information. If they’re down, too, the impact on the company’s reputation can be severe.

Here are four consequences of significant operational failures in broadcasting:

Loss of audience trust and engagement. When downtime or technical failures occur, audiences lose confidence in the broadcaster’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality content. In a crowded media landscape, viewers are quick to switch to competitors, leading to a loss in both immediate and future viewership. This can mean a reduction in live viewership and decreased loyalty over time, weakening the broadcaster’s position in the market. 
Financial and contractual ramifications. Live broadcasts, especially high-profile events, are tied directly to advertising revenue. For instance, the cost of a 30-second ad during the NFL’s Sunday Night Football in the 2023/2024 season was around $882,000. A single broadcast failure during such a high-stakes event can lead to massive financial losses, and even expose the broadcaster to legal complications and strained relationships with current and future advertisers. 
Missed opportunities for exclusive coverage. When broadcasters experience downtime during live events or breaking news, they miss out on delivering exclusive, real-time coverage. This can result in lost opportunities for major scoops or key moments that attract high viewership, especially for news organizations. Competitors with more reliable systems may capitalize on these moments, gaining a reputation and audience advantage, leaving the original broadcaster with diminished viewership and industry relevance.
Increased operational costs. Frequent technical issues lead to downtime and raise the overall cost of operations. Emergency repairs, replacement of faulty equipment, and constant troubleshooting demand additional financial resources, which exponentially raise the cost of downtime. Moreover, downtime increases the need for overtime work or hiring additional technical staff to manage crises, further inflating operational budgets.

The above is a list of worst-case scenarios. Operational failure, however, can come in much smaller packages, like accidentally putting up the wrong camera shot or consistent lag time in a specific production workflow. These minor operational failures can add to significant time loss and headaches for engineering and production teams. While less dramatic, they’re still costly in the long run. 

Downtime is seriously costly on a variety of different fronts. Over time, these costs accumulate, making it harder for companies to maintain profitability while still investing in future technological innovations. Unfortunately, while the cost of downtime is severe, there is no shortage of factors that might cause it. 

Internal and external factors threatening media operations

Broadcasters face a variety of internal and external factors that increase complexity and introduce new points of potential failure. These factors—and potential failure points—must be identified and actively controlled to avoid costly downtime. 

Internal factors include: 

Managing broadcast gear and IT systems in the cloud or on-premises. Balancing on-premises and cloud systems can lead to inefficiencies and disruptions if not managed properly. This is an example of how accelerating consumer demands can lead to a rapid, and potentially uncontrolled, adoption of complex broadcasting infrastructure that can introduce complexity and failure points. 
Maintaining performance with leaner teams. At the same time as this growing technological complexity, broadcasters are facing budget constraints that often require them to shrink and decentralize their production teams. Smaller, remote teams face increased pressure to produce content faster, and on increasingly complex infrastructures. Without streamlined tools and proper training, companies risk broadcast delays, diminished performance and content quality, and errors that may lead to downtime.
Skills gaps when adopting new technologies. As media production increasingly relies on advanced technologies, a lack of skilled personnel can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.

At the same time, companies face a variety of external factors, including: 

Technological disruptions and cybersecurity threats. Events like the July 2024 CrowdStrike outage, which impacted thousands of businesses globally and caused mass downtime for dozens of broadcasters, demonstrate the severe risks of unplanned system failures. The incident caused a global ripple effect, with financial damages estimated to exceed $10 billion. Without proper security and redundancy measures in place to mitigate against future events, media companies face similar risks of financial and reputational harm due to system outages or cyber-attacks.
Competitor pressure to innovate. Consumer demand and platform variety fuel innovations in content delivery, with major broadcasters leading the charge. Major, widely adopted innovations create a new standard in content consumption, which ramps up expectations for smaller broadcasters to follow suit. Failing to keep up with technological advancements can result in losing market share and relevance, making it harder to attract and retain audiences.
Supply chain and equipment shortages. Delays in sourcing critical equipment can stall production and lead to missed deadlines, especially in live events where timing is essential. This was made especially apparent during the pandemic when major supply chain issues crippled the global economy. In this environment, cloud and hybrid deployments became a necessity, forcing many companies—and broadcasters—to rapidly pivot their tech stacks.

While companies can, and do, take steps to mitigate the challenges listed above, the reality is that growing complexity and diversified threats to infrastructure stability introduce a variety of potential failure points. The best way to prevent them is to partner with a trustworthy broadcast technology partner that understands the importance of uptime, and has built their products and services around the promise of reliability. 

What to look for in a trustworthy broadcast technology partner

To ensure reliability in critical broadcast operations, you need a partner with a proven track record of delivering consistent performance under pressure. 

Systems must be designed for uptime with rigorous failover strategies that keep broadcasts running smoothly even when issues arise. The ability to handle live, high-stakes events without failure is non-negotiable.

Your technology partner must provide reliable systems and adapt to the constantly changing broadcasting landscape. Innovation is key, but it must be balanced with stability. 

Partners who embrace cutting-edge advancements like cloud integration and IP workflows without sacrificing reliability are the ones who will help you future-proof your operations. The ability to evolve while maintaining performance is critical in an industry where staying ahead is essential for survival.

More information about the need for a reliable technology partner is available in this video.

To help you find that perfect broadcast technology partner, look for: 

A history of reliable performance. Choose partners with a proven track record of consistent uptime, backed by case studies and testimonials from similar broadcasters. This provides confidence that they can handle demanding conditions without downtime.
Round-the-clock support. Ensure your partner offers 24/7 customer service with dedicated teams ready to troubleshoot. Quick response times prevent small issues from escalating into costly failures.
Industry-specific knowledge. A strong technology partner should understand the unique challenges of broadcasting and offer customized solutions tailored to your specific workflows, whether for live news or sports.
Robustness and redundancy. Broadcast systems must be built with robust and rugged systems to withstand demanding broadcast environments and resource usage. Integrated workflows and automation also help minimize human error.
Active security protection. Modern broadcast technology is vulnerable to a broad range of security threats that can compromise systems and data. Look for providers that prioritize hardware and network security as part of their offering, and actively push out updates to their products to ensure ongoing protection. 
Training and support. A trustworthy partner prioritizes training to ensure teams are prepared to handle unexpected issues in real time, helping keep broadcasts seamless even in high-pressure situations. Training and support experts don’t just know the products, but also deeply understand the industry and the challenges that engineers and operators face. This allows them to support both technical issues, and offer guidance on how to solve wider workflow problems.

Trust is built on reliability. In the world of broadcasting, you need partners who are as dependable as the systems they provide. Choosing a partner with proven reliability, comprehensive support, and the ability to adapt to your needs ensures that your broadcasts remain smooth, high-quality, and on the air, no matter the stakes.

The Ins & Outs of Today’s Signal Transport

As the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry stands at the crossroads of technological transformation, the choices you make today will define your operational success in the future.

Whether you’re planning to build or upgrade new facilities, our comprehensive whitepaper, “The Ins & Outs of Today’s Signal Transport,” provides the essential insights you need to make the best decision for your organization today and tomorrow.

Learn how the right transport tech can lead to significant workflow improvements from industry experts who advised the world’s largest companies.

Link

Technology

Apple Watch tracking accuracy studied in new analysis

The Apple Watch is pretty accurate — at least for certain metrics. A new University of Mississippi meta-analysis of 56 studies finds the Apple Watch delivers fairly accurate data for heart rate and step counts — but shows a much wider margin of error when it comes to calories burned. In the year 2025, […]

Published

41 minutes ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Apple Watch is pretty accurate — at least for certain metrics.

A new University of Mississippi meta-analysis of 56 studies finds the Apple Watch delivers fairly accurate data for heart rate and step counts — but shows a much wider margin of error when it comes to calories burned.

In the year 2025, wearable tech is almost startlingly common. If you walk into any gym in the United States, chances are you’re going to see wrists adorned with some kind of fitness tracker or smartwatch.

And it makes sense, too. Whether you’re concerned about your health or just looking to dial in your workouts, wearing an Apple Watch — or any other fitness tracker — seems like an ideal way to do it.

But that begs the question — just how accurate are health trackers like the Apple Watch? That’s the exact question that University of Mississippi researchers set out to answer.

The Apple Watch knows how much you move, not how much you burn

The Ole Miss study analyzed data from 56 studies comparing the Apple Watch data to clinical reference tools. Researchers took factors like age, existing health conditions, device age, and activity into account.

And, as it turns out, the Apple Watch is, well, fairly accurate.

If you’re using yours to track your heart rate or step count, they’re quite accurate. The study found mean absolute percent errors, a standard measure of accuracy, of 4.43% for heart rate and 8.17% for step counts.

Energy, expenditure, on the other hand, was notably less accurate. The study showed that when it came to tracking calories burned, the Apple Watch was inaccurate nearly 28% of the time.

The energy expenditure inaccuracy was observed across all types of users and activities tested, including walking, running, cycling, and mixed-intensity workouts.

The Apple Watch remains a useful tool, not a diagnostic device

So you may be wondering if this means you should throw your Apple Watch into the trash. Obviously, it doesn’t.

University of Mississippi professor Minsoo Kang, who headed the study, still thinks these trackers have a place.

“These devices are great for keeping track of habits and staying motivated, but do not take every number as 100% truth, especially the calories,” he told Eureka Alert. “Think of it as a helpful guide, not a diagnostic tool. It is useful but not perfect.”

While they’re not perfect now, that doesn’t mean they’re not improving over time, either. Newer models of Apple Watch appear to be significantly more accurate than previous iterations.

“While we cannot say every update is a big leap forward, there is a noticeable trend of gradual improvements over time,” Doctoral student Ju-Pil Choe said. “It shows that Apple is refining the technology over time.”

Kang remains optimistic about the future of wearable tech. He hopes that the study can help users make informed decisions about purchasing wearable tech and that it could help inspire fitness tech creators to reexamine where devices fall short.

“By showing where the weaknesses are, we can help developers get real feedback,” he says “They know what needs to be fixed, they can design better sensors or algorithms.”

“Our findings can guide improvements and help make these devices more useful for both everyday users and health care providers.”

Link

Technology

The fitness tracker I recommend to most people is on sale for 25% off

Matthew Miller/ZDNET ZDNET’s key takeaways The Fitbit Charge 6 is normally priced at $160. This device helps minimize third-party distractions and notifications that other smartwatches may cause. Many forms of data are captured, like steps, sleep, and heart rate, to provide a comprehensive view of your daily activity. The Fitbit Charge 6 is currently on sale […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Fitbit Charge 6 on wrist — Matthew Miller/ZDNET

ZDNET’s key takeaways

The Fitbit Charge 6 is normally priced at $160.
This device helps minimize third-party distractions and notifications that other smartwatches may cause.
Many forms of data are captured, like steps, sleep, and heart rate, to provide a comprehensive view of your daily activity.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is currently on sale for $120 at Amazon. This deal applies to all three color options.

Smartwatches need to be charged at least every other day, and millions don’t want another device loaded with third-party apps and constant distractions on their wrist. The Fitbit Charge 6 offers a powerful wearable in a sleek form factor with a battery life that only requires a top-up once a week.

Also: The best smartwatches you can buy

With Google owning Fitbit, I see more Google integration in Fitbit devices. The Charge 6 includes support for playback controls of Google Music, Google Maps prompts on the tracker, and Google Wallet payment support. These features are provided in addition to the useful Fitbit functions, including detailed sleep tracking, EDA scans, Daily Readiness score, ECG measurements, step tracking, and an integrated GPS receiver for detailed outdoor tracking.

I wore a silver aluminum Fitbit Charge 6 with a porcelain band for a few weeks of testing, but the Charge 6 is also available in Black for $160.

Looking at the hardware, Fitbit provides a lovely 26 x 21.8 mm AMOLED touchscreen color display. It is made with Corning Gorilla Glass, which looks superb and responds flawlessly to swipes and taps. The aluminum case surrounds the display and extends to the back heart rate sensor with nice curves and appealing aesthetics. The tracker is water resistant to 50m, so you can wear it 24/7 without worry.

Fitbit Charge 6 models — Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The heart rate sensor on the back has greatly improved. Fitbit states that it is 60% more accurate during vigorous activities than older Fitbit devices. The sensor also supports ECG and EDA measurements to help detect heart rate irregularities and monitor stress.

Also: This midrange Android wearable outlasted my Galaxy Watch Ultra – and it’s on sale

The Fitbit Charge 6 also supports sharing your heart rate readings with some supported gym equipment, including treadmills, rowing machines, and bikes. Check out this Fitbit support site to see if this functionality supports your equipment. While the Fitbit Charge 6 is not listed on the official list, I tested it with my Hydrow rowing machine, which connected in seconds. With improved accuracy during activities and lots of movement, this is a nice capability if you don’t own an HR chest strap.

Fitbit Charge 6 strap on wrist — Matthew Miller/ZDNET

There’s a haptic button on the left side of the Charge 6. With this model, there is a designated target area to help you improve your accuracy in hitting it, and it is better than the no-button design that we saw on the Charge 5. I’m still more of a fan of a physical button, but I understand that for construction and water resistance, it is preferred to use a haptic button.

The Fitbit Charge 6 has an infinity silicone band, but there are plenty of other options, including sports bands, Horween leather bands, woven bands, hook/loop bands, and vegan leather bands, ranging from $30 to $50. Bands from the Charge 5 continue to work on the Charge 6, so if you want to upgrade after a couple of years, the Charge 6 is worth considering.

The software on the watch is easy to navigate, with swipes and taps providing access to key data and utilities. Google Maps works in combination with the app on your connected phone, so turns and other key information are presented on the Charge 6 while your phone remains in your pack. YouTube Music playback controls are supported for YouTube Premium subscribers, so you can store your phone away while exercising and still have control of your music.

Also: Finally, a budget smartwatch that’s just as durable as my Garmin (and it’s on sale)

Google Wallet works to support payments right from your wrist, but entering the PIN by scrolling up and down one digit at a time is a bit of a pain. Some work on making this easier is needed, or I will never use Google Wallet on the device.

Unlike a smartwatch and some past Fitbit devices, the Charge 6 does not have third-party apps available. However, Key Google, Fitbit, and basic clock utilities are provided on the watch and in the Fitbit app, so you can manage whether or not the apps appear on the Charge 6 as you navigate around the tracker. You can also customize nearly 30 watch faces.

Fitbit Charge 6 screenshots of watch faces — Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The Charge 6 has an integrated GPS receiver, so you can run, walk, hike, and exercise outside without your phone. I tested this out for running and walking with an Apple Watch Ultra 2 on my other wrist and was very pleased with the accuracy of the GPS on the Charge 6. The Charge 6 supports GPS and GLONASS, while other watches typically support at least five global navigation satellite systems, so it will never be as accurate as dedicated GPS sports watches in challenging environments.

Also: Finally, I found an OLED sports watch that looks good and won’t break the bank

Google provides six months of free Fitbit Premium service with a Charge 6 purchase. Fitbit Premium is required for the Daily Readiness Score and other advanced features in the Fitbit application.

Compared to the Charge 5, I am very pleased to see the return of the floor’s climbed metric, improved heart rate sensor performance, side haptic button, and Google goodies (Wallet, Maps, and YouTube Music). The Charge 6 is also $20 less than the Charge 5’s launch price. The Fitbit Charge 6 is much better to sleep with than my larger smartwatches. Using the Charge 6 has me considering whether I need a full-size watch mounted on my wrist all the time.

ZDNET’s buying advice

While smartwatches are popular and often heavily promoted, having another device on your body that needs your attention may not be best for you and your mental health.

Google offers the Fitbit Charge 6 as a device that captures key health and wellness data comfortably while minimizing the distractions of third-party apps and constant notifications. Sleeping with it on your wrist is very comfortable, and the data captured can be used to improve your health and lifestyle.

Deals are subject to sell out or expire anytime, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We’re sorry if you’ve missed out on this deal, but don’t fret — we’re constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you at ZDNET.com.

Link

Technology

Esports Streaming Platforms Market Reflects Growth at 31.5%

Introduction The global esports streaming platforms market is poised for significant growth, expected to reach USD 38.8 billion by 2034, up from USD 2.5 billion in 2024, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. This rapid expansion is driven by the increasing popularity […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Introduction

The global esports streaming platforms market is poised for significant growth, expected to reach USD 38.8 billion by 2034, up from USD 2.5 billion in 2024, growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

This rapid expansion is driven by the increasing popularity of esports, the growing number of online viewers, and the emergence of new streaming technologies that enhance user engagement. The rise in the adoption of esports by both professional and casual players, as well as the growing investments in streaming platforms, are key contributors to this growth trajectory.

How Growth is Impacting the Economy

The growth of the esports streaming platforms market is having a profound impact on the global economy. The rise in esports viewership has opened new avenues for digital advertising, sponsorships, and content creation, which in turn drives economic activity in the entertainment and media sectors. Increased consumer engagement with esports platforms is fueling demand for high-quality streaming services, technological advancements in broadcasting, and associated industries like gaming hardware and cloud services.

Furthermore, the growing esports industry is creating job opportunities in content production, event management, and digital marketing, contributing to the broader digital economy. As global esports revenues continue to climb, the market also brings new investment opportunities, attracting venture capital and expanding digital infrastructure.

➤ Buy report here @ https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=149930

Impact on Global Businesses (Rising Costs & Supply Chain Shifts + Sector-Specific Impacts)

The rapid growth of the esports streaming market is shifting global business landscapes. Businesses in the entertainment and technology sectors are experiencing rising operational costs due to increased competition and the need to invest heavily in infrastructure to meet growing demand for high-quality streams.

The market’s demand for improved streaming quality and innovative technologies is prompting companies to invest in enhanced servers, network capacities, and cloud services, leading to a shift in supply chain dynamics. Esports streaming platforms are also under pressure to innovate continuously, driving higher costs in content creation, partnerships, and event organization. Moreover, businesses that rely on esports for marketing and brand positioning are being impacted by changes in consumer preferences and digital engagement.

Strategies for Businesses

To capitalize on the growth of esports streaming, businesses should prioritize strategic partnerships with esports organizations, content creators, and tech companies to expand their reach. Investing in technology to improve streaming quality, enhance user experiences, and integrate interactive features will help platforms stay competitive.

Additionally, monetizing esports content through diversified revenue streams such as subscriptions, advertising, sponsorships, and merchandise sales is key. Platforms should also focus on targeting global audiences by offering multilingual content and localized experiences to enhance viewer engagement and reach new markets. By staying at the forefront of technological innovations and leveraging social media for audience building, businesses can secure a prominent position in this rapidly growing market.

Key Takeaways

The esports streaming market is set to grow at a CAGR of 31.5%.
North America currently holds a dominant market share, capturing over 33.4% of the revenue.
Businesses must invest in infrastructure and technology to keep up with increasing demand.
Esports platforms are diversifying revenue streams through advertising, sponsorships, and subscriptions.
Strategic partnerships with key players in the esports ecosystem are essential for growth.

➤ Request sample here @ https://market.us/report/esports-streaming-platforms-market/free-sample/

Analyst Viewpoint (Present + Future Positive View)

The esports streaming platforms market is experiencing remarkable growth, with the current demand for high-quality content and improved user engagement driving strong market performance. Looking ahead, the outlook remains exceptionally positive as the global esports audience expands and streaming technologies continue to advance. The convergence of esports with traditional sports and media will provide ample opportunities for businesses to tap into new markets, foster innovation, and create lasting consumer engagement. As the sector matures, esports streaming platforms are poised to become central to the global entertainment landscape.

Regional Analysis

North America leads the esports streaming market, accounting for over 33.4% of the revenue in 2024, valued at USD 0.8 billion. The region benefits from strong infrastructure, high levels of internet penetration, and significant investments in gaming and digital entertainment. Europe is also witnessing rapid growth, with a rising number of esports events, tournaments, and streaming platforms attracting significant viewership. Asia-Pacific, particularly countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, are major esports hubs, contributing to the region’s growth. Other regions, including Latin America and the Middle East, are emerging as important markets for esports streaming due to increasing mobile gaming adoption and internet access expansion.

➤ Discover More Trending Research

Business Opportunities

The explosive growth of esports streaming presents numerous business opportunities. Companies can tap into the market by offering specialized streaming services tailored to esports events, providing high-quality broadcasting technology, and creating immersive viewing experiences using virtual and augmented reality.

Moreover, expanding content offerings through localized channels and regional partnerships will help businesses reach a wider global audience. Digital advertising and sponsorship opportunities are another avenue for revenue generation, especially as esports continues to attract a younger, tech-savvy audience. Additionally, companies can explore esports-related merchandise, gaming peripherals, and event management services to further diversify revenue streams.

Key Segmentation

Platform

OTT Platforms – 40%
Traditional Broadcasting – 30%
Social Media Platforms – 30%

End-User

Viewers – 70%
Content Creators – 20%
Advertisers – 10%

Revenue Model

Subscription-Based – 50%
Advertising-Based – 30%
Pay-Per-View – 20%

Key Player Analysis

Leading players in the esports streaming platforms market are focusing on expanding their service offerings through collaborations with gaming companies, content creators, and technology providers. These platforms are investing in cutting-edge streaming technology, interactive features, and user-friendly interfaces to enhance viewer engagement.

Additionally, the rise in esports events and tournaments is fostering growth in sponsorships, while the increasing trend of mobile esports viewing is prompting companies to develop mobile-optimized platforms. By offering global content and investing in localized experiences, these players are expanding their market presence and capturing new audiences across diverse regions.

Tencent Holding Limited
Nintendo of America Inc.
Valve Corporation
Activision Blizzard, Inc.
Electronic Arts Inc.
Gameloft SE
Modern Times Group (MTG)
Gfinity plc
Allied Esports
Take-Two Interactive
Huya
Fragbite Group
Others

Recent Developments

In January 2025, a major esports streaming platform launched a new cloud-based solution to improve streaming quality for global events.
In March 2025, a streaming service integrated AI-based features for personalized content recommendations to enhance viewer engagement.
In April 2025, an esports streaming company secured a multi-million-dollar deal with a gaming brand for exclusive tournament broadcasting rights.
In May 2025, a platform expanded into Latin America, offering region-specific content to cater to local esports fans.
In June 2025, a major esports league partnered with a streaming service to offer enhanced interactive features and real-time stats.

Conclusion

The esports streaming platforms market is poised for significant growth, driven by an expanding global audience and advancements in streaming technology. Businesses that invest in innovative content, strategic partnerships, and global expansion will be well-positioned to capitalize on this booming industry. As esports continues to evolve, platforms that offer immersive, personalized experiences will lead the charge in shaping the future of entertainment.

Discuss your needs with our analyst

Please share your requirements with more details so our analyst can check if they can solve your problem(s)

Link

Technology

Excel Sports Seeking Capital, Retains Moelis; Shamrock Exit Possible

Excel Sports Management has retained Moelis & Company to explore raising additional growth capital for the talent representation and content business. Such a capital raise could include the sale of Shamrock Capital’s minority stake in the talent management and market agency. The potential sale, confirmed by three people close to the companies involved who asked […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The potential sale, confirmed by three people close to the companies involved who asked not to be identified because the news isn’t public, comes after a years-long period of active acquisition by Excel. After Shamrock closed on its undisclosed minority stake in Excel in December 2020, the agency has expanded its NFL business with the acquisition of Rep 1, moved more heavily into coach and executive management with the buy of Harlan Sports Management and increased its experiential capabilities with the absorption of creative marketing agency Game Seven.

Even if Excel does raise additional capital to fuel future growth initiatives, there is no guarantee Shamrock will sell its stake, according to the people familiar. Exiting an investment after five years isn’t unusual for a private equity firm.

Excel is led by Jeff Schwartz, Casey Close and Mark Steinberg. Its client list includes Caitlin Clark, Derek Jeter, Peyton and Eli Manning and Tiger Woods. Excel and Shamrock didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. A representative for Moelis declined to comment.

Shamrock Capital is a private equity firm with $6.5 billion assets under management. The five-decade-old firm concentrates on media, sports, marketing and communication companies, along with related tech businesses. The company was an early investor in FanDuel, and it has since exited investments in the original Harlem Globetrotters and Learfield.

Among the 23 investments Shamrock currently discloses are part ownership of athlete-led content firm Religion of Sports, a stake in automated sports broadcasting tech firm Pixellot and an interest in Boardwalk Pictures, according to the Shamrock website. Excel has offices in New York, Beverly Hills and Miami.

Link

Technology

iFIT Adds Club Pilates & YogaSix Content With Xponential Deal

iFIT’s content deal with the well-known boutique fitness and wellness franchisor brings classes from the top-performing Club Pilates and fast-growing YogaSix to its platform iFIT, whose portfolio includes fitness equipment brands NordicTrack, ProForm and Freemotion, is expanding its digital offerings with studio-quality content from Club Pilates and YogaSix through a new partnership with Xponential Fitness. […]

Published

3 hours ago

June 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

iFIT’s content deal with the well-known boutique fitness and wellness franchisor brings classes from the top-performing Club Pilates and fast-growing YogaSix to its platform

iFIT, whose portfolio includes fitness equipment brands NordicTrack, ProForm and Freemotion, is expanding its digital offerings with studio-quality content from Club Pilates and YogaSix through a new partnership with Xponential Fitness.

The move gives iFIT’s more than six million members access to Pilates and yoga classes from two of Xponential’s most prominent brands, advancing its mission to provide more holistic, accessible wellness options. Notably, Pilates appears to be an area of interest for the fitness tech leader, having recently acquired Reform RX, a high-end reformer brand known for its commercial and at-home equipment.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring the Club Pilates and YogaSix experiences to our athletes,” iFIT chief subscription officer Jeremy McCarty said. “As a leader in connected fitness, we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of our athletes. With this partnership, our athletes now get access to a broader range of fitness content—all included as part of their iFIT membership.”

To promote the collaboration, iFIT is launching a new challenge in which eligible members who complete the program will receive an in-studio Club Pilates intro class pass and be entered for a chance to win a one-year membership to either Club Pilates or YogaSix.

“This partnership with iFIT, a pioneer in connected fitness, allows us to bring our world-class content to a wider audience than ever before,” Xponential‘s EVP of strategic partnerships Steve Pankowski said. “By leveraging iFIT’s innovative platform and expansive global reach, we’re proud to introduce the transformative experiences of Club Pilates and YogaSix to millions of members around the world in a truly immersive, digital-first way.”