The 2025-26 to 2028-29 Premier League rights cycle will see Sky Sports increase its coverage from 128 to at least 215 live games per season. (Sky Sports Imagery)
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports’ chief sports officer for the UK and Ireland, has urged Big Tech to do more to address ongoing piracy issues that are damaging the value of live sports rights, as the pay-TV broadcaster enters the new rights cycle for English soccer’s top-tier Premier League.
Speaking at a Sky Sports Premier League launch event yesterday, Licht said the 3pm broadcast lockout for the UK had been a “point for piracy gains” in the market and risked devaluing the league’s rights as it had done for France’s Ligue 1.
He said: “I think it’s been fair to say that the [broadcast lockout of] 3pm games has been a point for piracy gains coming into this market from various places.
“Piracy is a very serious issue and a growing issue that has become significant. There’s a real concern that, despite the illegality and the links to organized crime, it’s being normalized in a way, and I think that is dangerous for the industry.
“It’s dangerous for rightsholders – we’ve seen the problems in France and the value there, and a lot of that’s been put down to broadcasters or new entrants saying they can’t get the right side of that [piracy]. That has been very value destructive.”
The comments follow the public collapse of France’s top-tier Ligue 1 rights deal between international sports broadcaster DAZN and the league’s governing body, the LFP, which was partially due to piracy in the country.
DAZN, which covered eight fixtures per gameweek through a €325 million (£280 million) deal, accused the LFP of inaction over piracy, claiming that it had devalued its rights and led to the broadcaster withholding rights fees on several occasions.
An LFP-backed report late last year seemed to back up DAZN’s concerns, as it was found that 37% of those who had watched Ligue 1 action during the first few months of 2024-25 had done so illegally.
The rights agreement between DAZN and LFP was eventually scrapped, despite several rounds of mediation, with LFP recently launching a direct-to-consumer (DTC) broadcast channel – named Ligue 1 Plus – ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Ligue 1 Plus is being distributed to telecom and TV heavyweights Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange, and SFR, as well as the DAZN OTT streaming service.
Elaborating on the effect of piracy in the UK market and specifically its Premier League rights, Licht said tech companies and other stakeholders in the industry would need to “get on the rights side” of the issue to avoid situations like the one in France.
He said: “Sky Sports and all the people in this industry need to do what we can to tackle piracy – whether that’s lobbying Big Tech and the conversations we are having there, or engaging the government.
“I think it’s fair to say that we are starting to see a level of engagement from Big Tech, and we think there should be more.
“They should understand the responsibilities if they want to be part of the future of rights and sports relationships. So, they really need to step up into that space.”
Litch’s comments come as Sky Sports prepares to enter the first year of a new Premier League rights cycle.
In 2023, it was announced that the Premier League would continue to be shown domestically by pay-TV rivals Sky and TNT Sports after the duo secured four-year rights deals, running from 2025-26 to 2028-29, worth £6.4 billion ($8.45 billion) at the time.
The EPL made several changes to what was on offer to broadcasters, including the cycle increasing from the traditional three seasons to four, and an increase in the number of live matches per season available, from 200 to 270.
Sky has secured the maximum four of the five packages on offer and will air a minimum of 215 live matches per campaign, including Saturday 5.30pm kick-offs, Sunday 2pm and 4.30pm games, evening fixtures on Mondays and Fridays, and three midweek rounds, as well as all 10 fixtures from the final day of the season.
TNT, meanwhile, will broadcast a minimum of 52 matches per season, including all Saturday 12.30pm kick-offs and two midweek match rounds. Public broadcaster the BBC will continue to air its Match of the Day show after snapping up a weekly highlights package, meanwhile.
At the time, Conrad Wiacek, head of analysis and consulting at Sportcal (GlobalData Sport), said of the deal: “On the surface, the deal is a success and an increase for the league on its previous deal, guaranteeing $8.45 billion in revenue over the next four years.
“However, in real terms, the deal is a loss for the Premier League. More games are available in the packages, and the term is over four years as opposed to the three-year cycles it has previously operated in, meaning simply a lower cost per game, which is great for consumers but less so for the Premier League.”
Sky’s coverage starts later this week (August 15) with Liverpool versus Brighton and includes innovations, including Multiview, which will allow subscribers to watch up to four live matches concurrently, and the new Extra Time post-gameday show on Sundays hosted by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Multiview echoes the NFL’s “Red Zone” coverage, which bounces to where the action is among the games, and is part of Sky’s expanded offering aimed at adapting to the rapidly changing media environment.
As part of its offering, the broadcaster announced it will launch a new fan-driven initiative, Fanalysis, that will see fans chosen from each club to provide player ratings, manager verdicts, and perspectives across the Sky Sports app.
Asked if the broadcaster’s new fan engagement initiatives meant a pivot towards capturing new and younger subscribers over retaining current subscribers, Licht said both were equally important to the company as it looks towards the future.
He said: “A big part of going from 128 to 215 (Premier League games per season) is that we know we are creating more value for existing customers, but we also know we’re giving an opportunity for customers to reappraise Sky and Sky Sports and the value that it can bring.
“I think particularly, we see growth coming from the Now TV platform and the relationship you can have with sports fans.
“Growth is a really big part of our focus, particularly at this time of the year when we’re talking about new investments that we made. But we don’t take any of our customers for granted, and we’re making sure that we’re giving them more value.
“We know that there’s an opportunity for us to grow as well, because we’re giving people that reason to think about Sky Sports again.”
Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football, added: “With social and digital, we’re talking to potential customers, non-customers, and on Sky Sports News, there’s a lower price point to access.
“So, part of our role is showcasing the brilliant talent, brilliant action, and the opportunity to watch. There have been changes in Sky Sports and digital throughout the summer, and the reason why we’ve set ourselves up is to do just that.”
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Pune, India – December 15, 2025 – Exactitude Consultancy, a global leader in market research and intelligence, today announced the publication of its Gaming Headset Market Report, delivering a detailed analysis of industry trends, segmentation, competitive landscape, and growth forecast through 2034. This report equips manufacturers, gaming peripheral brands, distributors, investors, and technology stakeholders with actionable insights into the evolving gaming audio accessory ecosystem.
Download Full PDF Sample Copy of Market Report @ https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/request-sample/70022
Market Overview
The global gaming headset market was valued at approximately USD 3.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1 % over the forecast period (2025-2034), reaching an estimated USD 7 billion by 2034. Growth is driven by rising eSports participation, immersive gaming demand, and technological advancements in audio features.
Key Growth Drivers & Trends
• eSports & Online Gaming Boom: Global expansion of competitive gaming amplifies demand for high performance headsets that offer superior positional audio and communication clarity.
• Technological Innovation: Enhanced features such as noise cancellation, surround sound, wireless connectivity, and spatial audio are increasingly integrated, improving player immersion and comfort.
• Streaming & Content Creation: Growth in gaming streaming and content production influences headset demand, as creators seek high quality audio capture and playback.
• Casual & Mobile Gamers: A broadening gamer base – especially casual players – continues to drive headset adoption for both competitive play and entertainment.
Market Segmentation
The report segments the gaming headset market by:
• Product Type: Wired and wireless gaming headsets. Wired remains significant due to low latency, while wireless is rising with improved battery tech and convenience.
• Application: Gaming, music, virtual reality (VR), and streaming usage.
• End User: Casual gamers, professional gamers, and eSports athletes.
• Technology: Surround sound, noise cancellation, RGB lighting, built in microphones – key immersive and functional features driving differentiation.
• Distribution Channel: Online retail, offline retail stores, and direct manufacturer sales.
Explore Full Report here: https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/70022/gaming-headset-market
Regional Insights
• North America remains the largest regional market, accounting for about 40 % of global revenue, buoyed by a strong gaming culture and high accessory spend.
• Asia Pacific is a dynamic growth region with an ~10 % CAGR, driven by expanding middle class gaming populations and significant eSports adoption in China, Japan, and SEA.
• Europe shows solid growth supported by widespread console and PC gaming infrastructure.
• Latin America and Middle East & Africa are among the fastest growing emerging regions with projected double digit regional CAGRs by 2034.
Competitive Landscape
The gaming headset market is highly competitive with both established brands and specialized gaming audio companies. Key players include:
• Logitech
• Razer
• Corsair
• SteelSeries
• HyperX
• ASUS
• Turtle Beach
• Sennheiser
• JBL
• Creative Labs
These companies continually innovate with features such as spatial audio, advanced noise suppression, enhanced wireless protocols, and ergonomic design to meet diverse gamer preferences.
Market Challenges
Challenges facing the market include price competition and saturation in certain product tiers, as well as evolving platform compatibility requirements across PC, console, mobile, and VR devices.
Strategic Importance
Gaming headsets have become essential peripherals for modern gaming ecosystems, influencing play experience, communication, and competitive performance. As the gaming sector – including casual, competitive, and VR gaming – continues to expand, high fidelity audio gear remains a key differentiator for brands and consumers alike.
This report is also available in the following languages : Japanese (ゲーミングヘッドセット市場), Korean (게이밍 헤드셋 시장), Chinese (游戏耳机市场), French (marché des casques de jeu), German (Markt für Gaming-Headsets), and Italian (Mercato delle cuffie da gioco), etc.
Request for a sample of this research report at (Use Corporate Mail ID for Quick Response) @ https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/request-sample/70022
Exactitude Consultancy is a market research & consulting services firm which helps its client to address their most pressing strategic and business challenges. Our market research helps clients to address critical business challenges and also helps make optimized business decisions with our fact-based research insights, market intelligence, and accurate data.
Games including Rocket League, Marvel Rivals, Super Smash Bros, Mario Kart 8, and others.
FLINT, Mich. (WJRT) – The University of Michigan-Flint’s College of Innovation & Technology joined forces with the Michigan High School Esports Federation to host the fall 2025 state finals event.
More than 120 teams and 350 players from over 70 schools across the state participated in the event on Saturday.
Eleven champions were crowned in games such as Rocket League, Marvel Rivals, Super Smash Bros, and Mario Kart 8.
“It’s amazing. It’s my first time in a tournament or anything,” said Corunna esports player Jackson Donley.
“Especially in person, and the atmosphere is just amazing. You can tell it’s tense, especially when the matches are so close,” Donley said.
Corunna Middle School secured first place in the middle school division of the Team Super Smash Bros competition.
Davison High School claimed first place in the high school division.
The Sonic the Hedgehog collection, a renewed collaboration between lifestyle gaming peripheral brand Higround and SEGA, highlights a design concept that merges retro nostalgia with modern performance engineering. Drawing from the cultural legacy of Sonic the Hedgehog and the visual language of the Dreamcast era, the collection introduces peripherals that blend archival aesthetics with contemporary functionality. This release also expands Higround’s product range “through updated 75% and 96% keyboard layouts and the introduction of a Hall Effect model, each referencing the theme of Sonic’s characteristic speed.”
The ‘Summit 65+,’ presented in a Dreamcast-inspired design, features a CNC aluminum case, stainless steel back plate, and Higround’s ‘Dampening Plus’ five-layer system for a stable, quiet typing experience. The ‘Basecamp 65HE,’ influenced by the Radical Highway level, debuts Hall Effect technology for increased precision. Additional offerings—including the Classic Sonic–themed ‘Basecamp 96+,’ two ‘Basecamp 75+’ versions inspired by Escape from the City and Sonic CD, a Sonic CD keycap set, and four coordinated XL mousepads—further unify the collection’s nostalgic yet contemporary character.
The Competitive Spirit That Powers Both Sports and Startups
Miami sports fans know that greatness comes from more than talent alone. Whether it’s the Heat grinding through a tight fourth quarter or the Dolphins executing a perfectly timed offensive scheme, winning requires discipline, fast thinking, and an unshakeable competitive spirit. Interestingly, these same qualities power the tech and startup world, where entrepreneurs make split-second decisions that can define the future of an entire business.
In both arenas, success belongs to those who can read momentum, adapt under pressure, and turn small opportunities into game-changing wins. That overlap is why so many sports-minded individuals naturally thrive in the world of business, innovation, and technology.
Why Analytics in Sports Fuel Smarter Business Thinking
Today’s sports landscape is driven by analytics—shot charts, win probability graphs, EPA metrics, and possession efficiency numbers are all part of modern fan knowledge. This analytical mindset doesn’t stop at the arena. Tech entrepreneurs, founders, and investors rely on the same data-driven thinking to navigate product decisions, market shifts, and competition.
This crossover is why the startup world attracts problem solvers shaped by sports culture. And platforms in the entertainment-tech space—such asFoxy gold casino—reflect this growing connection between digital innovation, predictive thinking, and user engagement.
Understanding Momentum: A Shared Advantage for Founders and Athletes
Momentum is everything. In sports, a single run, turnover, or three-pointer can change the energy in seconds. In business, momentum might be a viral post, a successful beta launch, or hitting a major funding milestone. Leaders in both fields understand how to recognize momentum and capitalize on it.
This parallels perfectly:
Athletes ride hot streaks.
Founders capitalize on traction.
Sports teams adjust mid-play.
Startups pivot product strategy just as quickly.
The ability to shift gears on the fly is one of the most important skills in sports and tech alike.
Building a Winning Strategy: What Startups Can Learn From Miami Sports
1. Scouting and Research Matter
Sports teams invest heavily in scouting reports and film studies. They evaluate:
Opponent strengths
Player tendencies
Lineup matchups
Efficiency ratings
Startups mirror this with market research, user interviews, competitive analysis, and data modeling. Knowing the landscape allows founders to execute smarter, faster, and with more confidence.
2. Team Culture Determines Long-Term Success
The Miami Heat built the “Heat Culture,” known for discipline, conditioning, and accountability. Startups adopting similar cultural principles see major benefits:
Clear leadership and communication
Defined expectations
Continuous improvement
Resilience under pressure
A strong culture is often the difference between a startup that scales—and one that collapses.
3. Adaptability Separates Winners From the Rest
Sports demand constant adjustments: defensive rotations, halftime strategies, and clutch-time decisions. Startups face equally rapid shifts:
Market changes
New competitors
Shifting user demand
Technological breakthroughs
Founders who adapt quickly, without losing their vision, stay competitive.
Table: Business Lessons Inspired by Miami’s Sports Playbook
Miami Sports Principle
Startup Application
Tech/Innovation Impact
Heat Culture
Strong internal systems
Higher productivity & retention
Film study & analytics
Market and user research
Better decision-making
In-game adjustments
Product pivots
Faster adaptation to trends
Team chemistry
Cross-functional collaboration
Smoother product scaling
Game-winning mentality
Resilient leadership
Strong long-term growth
How Miami’s Fast-Paced Environment Fuels Innovation
South Florida’s sports scene is known for energy, excitement, and bold plays. Coincidentally, Miami’s startup scene mirrors that same intensity. The city has quickly become a hub for fintech, AI, gaming, and digital entertainment. Entrepreneurs here are used to speed—speed of execution, iteration, and scaling.
A few reasons Miami is thriving in the innovation sector:
Diverse global talent
High investor interest
Strong tech community backing
Growing digital entertainment market
Crossover influence from sports and media
Miami is one of the few cities where sports culture and startup culture genuinely feed each other.
Technology Is Changing the Game—On the Field and in the Office
Technology has reshaped sports with player-tracking systems, real-time analytics, and dynamic stat models. Meanwhile, tech startups use automation, AI-driven insights, and SaaS platforms to accelerate growth. Both industries depend on innovation to stay ahead.
Today’s fans and founders alike have access to tools such as:
Predictive analytics
Machine learning insights
Automated reporting dashboards
Real-time performance tracking
Competitive intelligence platforms
This shared tech ecosystem keeps both sports teams and startups laser-focused on performance.
The Role of Mindset: What Makes Sports Fans Natural Innovators
Sports fans understand pressure. They analyze plays, debate strategies, track performance trends, and anticipate outcomes. These instincts make them naturally suited for entrepreneurship and tech leadership.
Key mindset overlaps include:
Confidence under pressure
Long-term thinking
Understanding risk and reward
Embracing competition
Continuous improvement
Sports create thinkers who thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable environments—the exact conditions startups face daily.
Why the Connection Between Sports and Startups Keeps Growing
Sports influence is everywhere—from data modeling to team culture to leadership strategy. At the same time, tech continues to elevate sports through analytics, digital enhancements, and real-time engagement tools. The crossover strengthens every year, especially in vibrant markets like Miami.
As both industries push forward, one thing remains true: the mindset that wins games is the same mindset that builds the next big company. Athletes, analysts, fans, and founders all share a core advantage—a competitive drive, sharpened by strategy, that fuels consistent growth.
Lakeview Academy in Gainesville recently unveiled its newly renovated Innovation and Technology Wing.
The learning environment is designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving.
“The expanded robotics and esports facilities give our students room to imagine bigger and build bolder,” Technology Director Mikhail Lovell, said. “With advanced tools like industrial laser cutters and high-performance 3D printers, they can design and create with a level of precision and freedom that we couldn’t offer before. This renovation strengthens the programs our students already love while opening the door to new opportunities for innovation, growth, and achievement.”
School officials said the renovation was made possible through Lakeview donors and community partners who share in the school’s mission to cultivate curiosity, excellence, and forward-thinking leadership.
“This renovation represents more than just new facilities,” John Simpson, Head of School at Lakeview Academy, said. “It is an investment in our students’ future and a reflection of Lakeview’s vision to provide a learning environment that mirrors the innovation and collaboration found in today’s leading industries.”
The Game Awards 2025 concluded on December 11 in Los Angeles, celebrating a standout year in gaming. The ceremony unveiled the full All Winners List across major categories, including Game of the Year, Best Art Direction, Best Narrative, and more. Fans tuned in worldwide to see whether Clair Obscur Expedition 33, Death Stranding 2 On the Beach, or Donkey Kong Bananza would claim top honors.
This year delivered an unusually competitive field. Nearly every major genre saw multiple critically acclaimed releases. The All Winners List highlights how diverse the gaming landscape has become, rewarding innovation, storytelling, performance, and design. Below is the complete breakdown of winners as confirmed during the live show.
Full All Winners List for The Game Awards 2025
The Game Awards recognized excellence across more than 30 categories. The All Winners List below reflects the official results announced during the broadcast. These selections were made through a combination of jury voting and fan participation. Trusted outlets such as Reuters and AP covered the event throughout the week, citing its global impact on the entertainment industry.
The ceremony featured wins for established franchises, emerging studios, and standout indie titles. Clair Obscur Expedition 33 dominated several major categories, cementing its status as one of the year’s most influential releases. Death Stranding 2 On the Beach and Hollow Knight Silksong also secured notable wins across art, music, and direction.
The winners list includes categories such as:
Game of the Year
Player’s Voice
Best Game Direction
Best Adaptation
Best Narrative
Best Art Direction
Best Score and Music
Best Audio Design
Best Performance
Innovation in Accessibility
Games for Impact
Best Ongoing Game
Best Community Support
Best Independent Game
Best Debut Indie Game
Best Mobile Game
Best VR/AR Game
Best Action Game
Best Action/Adventure Game
Best RPG
Best Fighting Game
Best Family Game
Best Sim/Strategy Game
Best Sports/Racing Game
Best Multiplayer Game
Most Anticipated Game
Content Creator of the Year
Best Esports Game
Best Esports Athlete
Best Esports Team
Each winner reflects the shifting trends of interactive entertainment. Publishers invested heavily in cinematic storytelling, AI-driven mechanics, and world-building. Indie studios saw renewed recognition, demonstrating how smaller teams continue to push creative boundaries.
How the 2025 All Winners List Shapes the Industry
The impact of the All Winners List extends far beyond the ceremony. Industry analysts note that Game Awards recognition often boosts sales, renews franchise momentum, and influences publisher strategies for the following year. Reuters reported that award-winning titles typically experience a significant rise in global downloads after the show’s conclusion.
For indie creators, nominations and wins can accelerate distribution partnerships and platform support. For major studios, standout wins in categories such as Game Direction or Narrative reinforce creative leadership and help guide long-term development pipelines.
The All Winners List also redirects attention toward emerging technologies showcased in nominated titles. VR advancements, accessibility innovations, and audio engineering breakthroughs from this year’s winners are expected to shape next-generation game design approaches.
The Game Awards 2025 All Winners List underscores how far the medium has evolved. It highlights a year defined by risk-taking, creativity, and boundary-pushing design. Fans now look ahead to 2026 as studios aim to build on the momentum created by this remarkable lineup of winners.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: What is included in The Game Awards 2025 All Winners List?
The list includes winners across more than 30 categories, covering major genres and industry achievements. Categories range from Game of the Year to Best Esports Team.
Q2: Which game won the most awards in 2025?
Clair Obscur Expedition 33 earned multiple major category wins, reflecting strong critical and fan support.
Q3: Why is The Game Awards All Winners List important?
The list influences sales trends, industry recognition, and future project investment decisions. It sets expectations for upcoming releases.
Q4: How are winners selected for The Game Awards?
A combined jury and public voting system determines winners. Both professional critics and global players contribute.
Q5: Does winning an award impact game development studios?
Recognition often leads to increased funding, hiring, and platform visibility. It can also validate creative direction for future titles.
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