ESPN, Fubo, Netflix, Amazon, DAZN, and the NFL dominated the news headlines over the holiday season. In the first StreamTime Sports episode of 2025, host Chris Stone is joined by technology editor Steve McCaskill to break down all of the biggest stories of the opening weeks of 2025. Key Talking Points: What caused the collapse of the Venu Sports joint venture between ESPN, Fox Sports, and Warner Bros Discovery? What Fubo’s merger with Hulu means for the sports streaming disruptor moving forward? Will Netflix’s successful NFL and WWE forays mean more live sports investment? What is next for the Premier League and Amazon as their deal ends? Why has DAZN acquired Foxtel in Australia? Can TGL drive interest from its successful debut? 

Wim Sveldens, Co-founder and CMO of Kiswe, shares insights on the evolution of OTT platforms in sports. He emphasizes how these platforms have shifted from a novelty to a necessity for fan engagement. The conversation covers strategic considerations for launching streaming services and the transformative impact of direct-to-consumer models. Sveldens also discusses challenges like technical integration and the importance of understanding audience needs for tailored content. Plus, he highlights innovative advertising strategies that enhance fan interaction and drive revenue.

The discussion dives into the changing landscape of sports media, questioning if the NBA's broadcast deal marks a peak in growth. Bold predictions for 2025 highlight the impact of big tech giants like Netflix and Amazon in sports broadcasting. They debate the future of European football amid financial struggles and the controversial European Super League. Spectator behavior and the role of alcohol in sports culture also come under scrutiny. Expect surprises in sports streaming as platforms adapt to shifting viewer preferences.

DAZN has struck a groundbreaking $1 billion deal for FIFA's 2025 Club World Cup, raising questions about its feasibility. The hosts delve into recent media rights shifts in the Bundesliga and Premier League, exploring fan engagement and broadcasting challenges. Sky Sports is set to double down on the World Darts Championship thanks to rising stars like Luke Littler. Additionally, YouTube is revolutionizing women's football by enhancing visibility and attracting younger audiences.

Live sports is one of the last appointment viewing programmes that exist for advertisers, so how can streaming platforms can take advantage? StreamTime Sports co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone discuss this, while we also hear from DAZN, EA Sports, and Transmit on new advertising formats and opportunities for sports. Key points: Why are traditionally subscription based businesses like Netflix and DAZN moving to ad-supported models? Why is sports still the best opportunity for advertisers? How can ad-supported services co-exist with subscriptions models and compliment each other? How are new ad formats helping to drive engagement and conversions? What role does technology and data play helping brands to advertise through sports streaming?

Steve McCaskill, Technology Editor at SportsPro, dives into the Premier League's surprising split from IMG, exploring the shift towards in-house content management. He discusses the potential rise of direct-to-consumer models and how 'Premflix' could redefine fan engagement. The conversation also touches on financial strategies tied to new broadcasting deals and the impact of streaming platforms like Netflix on live sports. McCaskill offers insights into the evolving landscape of sports media and its implications for leagues globally.

Eduard Scott, Chief Operations and Competitions Officer at Kings League, and Yannick Ramcke, General Manager of OTT at OneFootball, dive into the evolving world of sports media. They discuss the disruptive impact of technology and innovation on fan engagement, emphasizing the shift from traditional formats to interactive content. Scott shares insights on the unique approach of Kings League, while Ramcke highlights OneFootball's transformation into a comprehensive digital platform. Their conversation reveals the exciting future of sports streaming and the necessity of adapting to fan demands.

Steve McCaskill, Technology Editor at SportsPro, dives into the dynamic world of sports media. He unpacks why DAZN is adding costs for the NFL and National League content, shedding light on the shifting landscape of broadcasting. The discussion highlights F1's uneven growth in the U.S. and why the Professional Triathlon Organization's strategies could become a blueprint for other sports. Plus, McCaskill contemplates Amazon's renewed investment in sports rights, emphasizing the changing tactics in an ever-evolving market.

In Monaco every year the likes of the NFL, Premier League and the NBA, get together with all of the major broadcasters at Sportel to work on the deals that shape the media industry. On this episode of StreamTime Sports co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone are joined by technology editor Steve McCaskill as he shares his insights from this year’s event. Key talking points - What are the biggest whispers regarding the future of sports media values - Why Javier Tebas and LaLiga believe big tech is responsible for piracy - What to make of Two Circles continued growth with acquisition of Spring Media - Why the sports media industry is paying more attention to technology and innovation - Can rugby be a needle moving piece for Premier Sports

Rumours of the NFL considering a new season-long international series TV package has StreamTime Sports co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone wondering how much more splicing the league can do to its broadcast rights. There's also time cover some breaking sports media news across Sky Sports, Tour de France, Netflix, Turner Sports and LaLiga. Key points: Is the NFL hosting 18 international games worth it to have a new $1B TV package? Should the NFL be prioritising reach or revenue in non-US markets? Does it matter that the Tour de France and T20 Cricket are leaving free-to-air TV in the UK? Can Netflix’s Sprint position superstars like Noah Lyles and Sha'Carri Richardson to keep athletics relevant between Olympic Games? Is Turner Sports interested in the Unrivalved 3x3 league or simply settling after losing the NBA? Can Free Live Sports FAST channel launches provide a lifeline for challenger sports?