StreamTime Sports

The social media platform has received a 75 day extension to continue operations and seek a resolution in the US. On this episode of StreamTime Sports, co-hosts Chris Stone and Steve McCaskill discuss TikTok’s influence on the sports industry and dive into other breaking sports media news.   Key Points: TikTok's role in the sports media ecosystem The potential impact of losing TikTok Could other social media platforms fill the TikTok void? The clever strategy behind Bleacher Report’s partnership with the NFL Why Optus Sport is the latest Australian platform looking to pivot Saudi Arabia’s PIF and its next strategic move into sports through DAZN

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