

StreamTime Sports
SportsPro
A weekly podcast profiling the people, businesses and technologies driving the sports media revolution. The go-to place for sports industry professionals seeking ideas, insights and inspiration in these times of rapid transformation across streaming, OTT and digital.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 17, 2025 • 54min
2.7 billion watched FIFA's Club World Cup?
FIFA claimed 2.7 billion people tuned in to this summer’s Club World Cup, but what is the truth behind the numbers? In this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone dig into the reality behind FIFA’s staggering stats, DAZN’s billion-dollar gamble, and YouTube’s live NFL broadcast. They also unpack which metrics matter most for streaming, what Apple’s next move in Formula One could mean, and why Pluto TV is betting big on handball. Key Points:Can FIFA’s claim of 2.7 billion Club World Cup viewers be trusted?Has DAZN’s $1 billion investment in the tournament paid off?What did we learn from YouTube’s live NFL broadcast of Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers?Which metrics matter most for live streaming compared to linear?Does it make sense for Apple to acquire Formula One’s U.S. rights?What makes Pluto TV’s handball deal a smart play?

Sep 10, 2025 • 49min
The NFL’s next play: From primetime to YouTube with MrBeast and IShowSpeed
Co-hosts dive into the NFL's innovative broadcasting moves, including daring partnerships with YouTube stars like MrBeast and IShowSpeed. They discuss the implications of ad sales, with NBC selling out Super Bowl slots early and the controversy over new ads in NFL RedZone. The expansion of free-to-air coverage in the UK raises questions about viewer accessibility. Plus, DAZN's deal for college football rights is celebrated as a game changer, all while exploring how influencer-led initiatives could shape the future of sports entertainment.

Sep 3, 2025 • 49min
The keys to unlocking and protecting live sports revenues
Olga Kornienko, COO and co-founder of EZDRM, is a content protection expert with a wealth of knowledge in streaming security. In this conversation, she delves into how piracy influences media rights deals, highlighting the financial risks for all sports, not just major leagues. Olga discusses the evolution from linear to streaming security and stresses the importance of layered strategies like double encryption. She also touches on the necessity of DRM for live-event integrity, showcasing innovative technologies that make it increasingly difficult for pirates to operate.

Aug 28, 2025 • 31min
The new Bundesliga broadcast strategy
The Bundesliga is shaking up its UK broadcast strategy, partnering with platforms like Sky, Amazon, BBC, and YouTube. This wide distribution aims to attract new fans and test the market with minimal risks. The role of content creators on YouTube is highlighted, emphasizing their impact on engagement and revenue. Early viewing figures reveal insights into audience reception, while the hosts debate how this approach compares to other leagues like LaLiga and Serie A. Technical reliability is also crucial for maintaining viewer trust.

Aug 20, 2025 • 58min
How is UFC doubling media rights revenue whilst killing off pay-per-view?
In this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone break down how UFC's evolving media strategy could signal the end of traditional pay-per-view.They break down Paramount’s big-money move for UFC rights, why ESPN stepped aside, and what this shift means for niche sports, bundling, and the future of global broadcasting. They also look ahead to what’s next for Fubo and Hulu partnerships in the U.S., and whether piracy could shape the future of bundling in Europe.Key Points:What does ESPN’s sports-only bundle mean for UFC content?Could the UFC’s deal with Paramount mark the end of pay-per-view?How are sports media dynamics shifting in the U.S.?Will piracy influence how bundling evolves in Europe?What’s next for Fubo and Hulu partnerships in sports broadcasting?

Aug 15, 2025 • 47min
Sky Sports Premier League Preview: What to expect this season
Gary Hughes, Director of Football at Sky Sports, sits down with StreamTime Sports for an exclusive interview, revealing the expanded coverage and new features coming to Premier League fans this season. Co-hosts Chris Stone and Nick Meacham also take audiences behind the scenes of the Sky Sports Premier League Kick Off media day. Key Points:Why has Sky Sports significantly increased its Premier League coverage this season?What new features and content will fans get this year?When might the 3pm blackout rule finally end?How Sky Sports plans to deliver 1500 live football matches this season. Why is Sky Sports committing more resources to WSL and EFL coverage?

Aug 13, 2025 • 54min
Should you go all-in on YouTube? And can you really own your audience?
YouTube is the largest global video platform, but who should be using it and how? On this episode of StreamTime Sports co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone unpack the hype, hope, and truths about the platform, as well as discussing whether ‘owning’ your audience is even possible. Packed with case studies and industry stats this is your guide to the latest strategies on YouTube.Key Points:Is YouTube now a ‘big screen’ sports platform? And what does that mean for right holders?When should a sport make YouTube its primary channel?Is owning your audience possible?How are organizations like the PGA Tour and NBA winning on YouTube? Also, how are smaller clubs Udinese, Minnesota United, and Verona punching above their weight?Why entertainment shouldn’t be considered a threat to sports?

Aug 6, 2025 • 48min
NFL + ESPN: A streaming power play or a risky marriage?
The NFL and ESPN have struck a landmark deal, but what does it mean when a rights holder becomes a stakeholder? This episode breaks down the strategic implications of the NFL Media handover, ESPN’s evolving content mix, and why these moves could reshape the future of sports broadcasting. Also on the agenda: DAZN’s latest global grab with NHL.TV, new signals from Apple’s MLS data drop, and how the WSL is approaching their TV programming strategy. Key PointsWhat the NFL Media handover and equity stake mean for sports mediaWhy rights holder equity deals are risky ESPN’s identity crisis - Is this a return to live sports or just strategy reboot?DAZN’s global play: NHL.TV, subscription bundling, and the end of pay-per-view?Apple’s MLS 120K average viewers — strong growth or messy metrics?WSL & beer in stadiums: New kickoff slots, fan experience changes, and UK culture shifts

Jul 30, 2025 • 56min
F1 eyes Apple, Deltatre’s power play acquisition of Endeavor Streaming, and the media rights bubble
With Formula 1’s ESPN broadcast deal set to expire, speculation is swirling around which platform the series might land on next. In this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Nick Meacham and Chris Stone debate whether Apple would be the right partner — and what the trade-offs could be. The duo also breaks down Deltatre’s acquisition of Endeavor Streaming, Nick’s conversation with Roger Mitchell on YouTube-first strategies, and ESPN’s quiet entry into the Nordics under Disney+. Key Topics:Is Formula 1 risking its reach and sponsor value by going exclusive with Apple?What does Deltatre’s acquisition of Endeavor tell us about where the value lies in the streaming tech race?Can ESPN become a major player in Europe? Or is Disney testing the water with low cost rights and brand familiarity?Are investors betting too heavily on media rights growth? Is YouTube the smarter long-term play?Why is the PGA Tour blocking Grant Horvat and other creators from filming?

Jul 23, 2025 • 47min
From camera to consumer in under 60 seconds – the AI tools empowering NFL and MLB content teams
In this captivating discussion, Andrew Fingerman, CEO of PhotoShelter, shares his wealth of knowledge on digital asset management and AI's impact on sports content delivery. He reveals how organizations like the Buffalo Bills save substantial costs through automation, enabling them to publish game-day content in under 60 seconds. Andrew emphasizes the importance of empowering athletes as real-time content distributors and transforming archives into valuable assets for fan engagement and sponsorship opportunities. Tune in for insights into revolutionizing sports media workflows!


