M+E Europe

According to a recent study by Amdocs, a staggering 82 percent of Americans are all set to tune in to the Super Bowl on Feb. 11.

But it’s not just about the big game – when asked about important factors in selecting a streaming provider for their sports viewing, 64 percent of consumers said the availability of live sports is an important factor.

Additionally, almost half (48 percent) of consumers would be interested if their internet provider offered a Super Bowl or major sporting package for a one-time fee that would offer advanced viewing options like trivia, mixed reality or exclusive footage.

These stats reveal an accelerating trend towards streaming platforms, particularly during high-profile events.

Other key data points from the research also indicated a strong demand for more immersive experiences:

–Thirty-five percent of viewers are keen to indulge in a VR/MR experience that immerses them in the action on the field.

Leading the pack are millennials, with 45 percent expressing interest, followed closely by Gen Z at 40 percent and Baby Boomers a distant 19 percent.

–Almost half of all respondents say that this enhanced viewing experience would make them more inclined to grab a Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro. This percentage was highest among Millennials (60%), followed by Gen Z (55 percent) and Gen X (51 percent).

This shift presents an open field of opportunities for content creators and media providers to rethink their streaming strategies and bring forth innovations like GenAI, spatial reality and other immersive experiences.

And the key lies in having robust networks that can handle these data-intensive workouts.

Along with the networks, a solid OTT strategy is crucial to unlock the full potential:

–Forty-one percent of Gen Z viewers seek interactive commentary during games, offering personalized insights tailored to their team colors.

–Additionally, about one-third (32 percent) have their eyes on personalized social media feeds tailored to their interests.

Creating this tailored experience calls for a strong subscription management strategy: one that assembles a successful subscription marketplace, manages ad sales and ensures pinpoint accuracy in revenue and royalty calculation and reporting.

Victory in sports streaming isn’t just about what’s happening off the field; it’s about engaging with fans.

Interactive experiences demand real-time control over content.

Picture this: you need your brand on every screen – from connected TVs and mobile devices to web browsers and set-top boxes. And to score big in consumer experience, integration of third-party OTT content metadata ramps up engagement.

Choosing the right technology partners should be part of your winning strategy.

So, are you ready for the future of streaming? Now is the perfect time to suit up and get in the game.

By Raman Abrol, GM, Amdocs, CEO, Vubiquity