Insights & Perspectives
Stephen Bourke
Sports Business Strategist
Aspire Academy
In my opinion, video streaming in all its formats is having the biggest impact on sports at present. Firstly, YouTube created a new type of video star that the mobile-first generation may prefer over sport stars. Then, Netflix introduced us to binge-watching which created another attention competitor for sports content whilst sports streaming on social media platforms is eroding the value of the traditional live broadcast.
Amongst all of this, though, Esports is creating the biggest direct impact on sports . Video streaming changed gaming from an in-home personal activity to a competition where gamers could play online against anyone else in the world which gave rise to the new industry of Esports where live events are selling out major venues. Now, Esports are taking some interest away from traditional sports, sponsor are also moving here and new public spaces for gamers are being created. Whilst it’s tremendously disruptive, Esports provide rights holders with an opportunity to be part of an industry that is growing at a pace that is rarely seen in any sector.