StreamTime Sports

In this episode of StreamTime Sports, host Nick Meacham sits down with Rob Pilgrim, Head of Sport for EMEA at Meta, to explore how digital platforms are reshaping the sports media landscape. Rob reflects on his journey from YouTube to Meta, the shifting dynamics of audience engagement and how platforms like WhatsApp and Threads are becoming central to the sports conversation.  The duo also examine Instagram’s evolution from a photo-sharing app to a video-first platform, including Meta’s recent move to launch its Instagram for TV app. Rob explains why the company sees a growing opportunity for lean-back, living room consumption, how vertical video and creator-led formats are translating to the big screen, and what Meta has learned from YouTube’s rapid growth on connected TVs. Key Points:• Why Instagram’s expansion onto TV signals a new phase in short-form video consumption• The growing influence of individual creators and athletes in the sports ecosystem• The future impact of AI and wearables on fan experiences• Privacy, responsibility, and trust as Meta introduces new technologies• The importance of collaboration between sports organisations and Meta to drive innovation

In this episode of StreamTime Sports, host Nick Meacham continues the Making YouTube Pay series with Angelica Lindeberg, CEO of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). Angelica shares how the SDHL executed a full shift from traditional broadcasters to a YouTube-first strategy in under 90 days. She breaks down the early audience insights, how the league is empowering clubs and players to grow their own reach, and what this transformation means for the future visibility of women’s hockey. Key Points:How the SDHL transitioned to a fully YouTube-led model in less than 90 daysEarly audience data and what it reveals about fan behaviourThe role of clubs and athletes in driving visibility and engagementWhy YouTube is central to growing the reach of women’s hockeyWhat the shift means for the league’s long-term strategy and commercial potential

In this engaging discussion, Sergio Lopes, CEO of LiveMode, reveals the secrets behind CazeTV's explosive growth on YouTube, amassing over 100 million fans. He discusses the strategic shift of YouTube from a creator platform to a major rights buyer, highlighting milestones like 43 million viewers for the Olympics. Lopes shares insights on integrating influencers to enhance audience engagement and announces plans for international expansion, starting in Portugal. With a focus on creator-led streams, he emphasizes the power of tailored advertising in sports broadcasting.

In a candid conversation, Paul Boustead, Vice-President of Product Strategy at Dolby, shares insights on Dolby Vision and its role in enhancing sports broadcasting. He discusses innovations like OptiView, aimed at personalized storytelling and ad monetization. The challenges of incorporating personalized ads in live sports are explored, along with creative ad formats that engage viewers. Paul emphasizes Dolby's mission to make sports experiences more personalized and monetizable, ultimately transforming how fans engage with their favorite sports.

Ben Morel, founder of M2C Sports Advisory and former NBA executive, dives into the evolving landscape of European sports. He discusses the commercial volatility plaguing football leagues and how the NBA sees Europe as a key growth market. Interesting insights include why broadcasters need new long-term strategies and how a new European basketball league might reshape competition. Morel outlines challenges in Ligue 1 and reflects on investment dynamics in both football and basketball, revealing the complex factors steering the future of sports in Europe.

Moe Hamdhaidari, Director of Content at Two Circles and co-author of the 'For You' study, explores the transformative power of algorithms in sports content. He explains how sports are outpacing other entertainment sectors and the importance of content that truly connects with fans. Moe shares insights on expanding content output without extra costs and the growing significance of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in shaping future strategies. He also highlights the need for tailored approaches on platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage younger audiences effectively.

Dive into the dynamic shift of sports media as YouTube takes center stage for live broadcasts. Explore how AI is not just a buzzword anymore, but an integral part of content creation and fan interaction. The conversation highlights the growing needs for rapid content production and the innovative rights deals emerging from creator-led initiatives. Traditional broadcasters face challenges as streaming takes over, prompting leagues to rethink their strategies. Plus, get insights into Gen Z's engagement and the critical role of advertising in this evolving landscape.

Adam Leventhal, a senior writer and broadcaster at The Athletic, dives deep into the world of illegal sports streaming, revealing insights from his extensive investigations. He discusses how fans have normalized piracy, driven by cost and convenience. Leventhal explains the evolution of illegal streaming from physical media to digital solutions like VPNs and Firesticks. They also examine the impact on sports broadcasting, focusing on UK's 3PM blackout and the piratical threats to commercial deals, together outlining potential paths for reform in the industry.

In this discussion, Richard Kearney, Senior Director at MediaKind and former expert at Showtime and Paramount, reveals how AI is transforming content recommendations. He addresses the delicate balance between personalization and discovery, highlighting that too much personalization can hinder user experience. Richard also shares insights on how sports platforms leverage AI for real-time analysis and engagement. With strategies for reducing churn and enhancing retention, this talk uncovers the future of streaming with AI-driven content curation.

Dive into the intricate world of sports media deals, exploring DAZN's acquisition of FIFA+ and Apple's sport-bargain of $750 million for Formula 1. Discover the financial pressures behind FIFA+’s struggles and the influence of Saudi investments. Can LaLiga adapt to a changing landscape amid lost stars? As platforms grapple with an overload of content, are only the giants meant to survive? Tune in for an engaging dissection of how these shifts might redefine the future of sports broadcasting.