The pandemic accelerates innovation in sports broadcasting

The consequences of Covid-19 in the sports industry, yet to be dimensioned, are already tangible in multiple aspects. Its action as an accelerator of processes that have already started affects both this sector and other areas of society and is clearly reflected in the way in which live sporting events reach fans.

The path to improve the experience of those who do not live the show in the venue itself but through the screen began a long time ago. We are now experiencing a stage of acceleration of this trend with the aim of continuing to expand the potential audience to be reached with the event and its connection with sport. Creating an effortless experience for them to engage with engaging content, while being careful not to isolate a particular demographic, is a key step in growing your existing fan base.

This is an initiative already implemented by some,

 Followed by others and also supported by the interest generated in the fan itself. Data from the latest Kantar Global Sports cope study shows us how approximately 50% of tennis fans request a greater selection of camera angles on broadcasts. And 40% would value an improvement in the experience of simulating presence in the venue through artificial intelligence. This project stems from an idea between La Lira and Microsoft to offer viewers the best possible game statistics. The approach of these companies is to digitally transform the sports and entertainment industry.

Understanding current and future trends and how the fan perceives this innovation is key to correctly channeling investment and optimizing the connection with our current and potential audiences

It all started in the United States,

 Where leagues like the NFL also introduced new features in their epl중계. Through the American children’s and youth subscription television channel Nickelodeon, aimed mainly at children and adolescents, league matches are being broadcast with animated content. Last year’s NFL broadcast focused on this audience, was the most watched program on the channel in almost four years, becoming the number one trending topic on Twitter that afternoon in the United States and was even awarded an award Emmy.

The NBA is not far behind. One of the main contenders to win the ring this season, the Brooklyn Nets, have created their own met averse called “Net averse” to, through Virtual Reality, watch their games from the inside.

The platform that broadcasts the games of the Nets, YES Network, has also presented this technology that allows viewing the games from any angle through some 100 cameras placed that record the game from all possible positions around the field, which are merged to convert graphics to 3D in real time. It’s like watching a basketball video game, except that the characters are real players playing the game at that very moment. This new option will allow us to literally enter the court, moving freely within the matches and viewing the players next to us in real size.

These are just a few examples of a reality that is being incorporated with increasing speed,

Although with different levels of intensity, into the broadcasts of each sporting discipline. Understanding current and future trends and how the fan perceives this innovation is key to correctly channeling investment and optimizing the connection with our current and potential audiences.

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