SVG PLAY: Direct-to-Consumer and Authenticated In-Market Live Streaming of RSNs Enters a New Generation

Bally Sports, NESN, Midco Sports, and Transmit reps take on the future of live sports distribution

SVG’s RSN Summit brought regional sports network leaders and content creators together in Chicago on June 29 and 30 to network and exchange ideas about the pertinent issues facing the regional sports sector as the business undergoes seismic change on multiple fronts. These leaders addressed how RSNs are being challenged to produce more events and content at lower costs while also navigating new pandemic-era realities and building beyond the linear-distribution model.

As consumer viewing habits evolve and carriage disputes become more frequent, RSNs are looking for new ways to deliver live games and original content directly to consumers. Some have launched their own DTC streaming platforms — or have announced plans to do so —in order to reach fans directly while others launched dedicated apps and streaming experiences for authenticated cable subscribers. In this panel discussion for the 2022 SVG RSN Summit, RSN leaders discuss best practices in designing a live-streaming app, avoiding potential pitfalls, enhancing fan interactivity, differentiating the digital experience, and leveraging non-game content for streaming/OTT outlets.

Panelists:
Ahmed Darwish, NESN, Chief Marketing Officer
Amy DesLauriers, Midco Sports, Senior Associate Product Manager – Sports/Advertising
Michael Schneider, Bally Sports, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager
Scott Young, Transmit, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer
Moderator:
Brandon Costa, SVG, Director of Digital