Fragmentation of sports media has made it increasingly difficult for fans to find and watch “games.” Sports Bubble, an internet-based technology company, is trying to simplify the process of content discovery and access with the recent release of the Watch Sports app, a universal sports and esports live event guide for the streaming era.
“”[The app is] It’s a product that every sports fan needs, “said Dan Cohen, Octagon Global Media Rights Consultant, who is also a board member of Sports Bubble. “It’s never been so difficult to find live sports on screen. Watch Sports is the solution.”
JWS Take: Lydia Murphy-Stephans, founder of Sports Bubble and former president of Pac-12 Networks, decided to target issues related to sports streaming after trying to compete in the 2018 NBA Finals match. I found an app streaming the game (which was blacked out in the ABC app), failed to authenticate the cable subscription (Comcast Xfinity didn’t provide in-app authentication at that time), and went to the ESPN app. The process of logging in again, where she could finally see, the actual time took 8 minutes.
“It was a moment of my inspiration,” she said. “As an experienced media executive and sports fan, if it took me eight minutes to hunt and peck on my iPad, I thought it was a missed opportunity for many fans. [have liked] I see, but I didn’t mean to spend so much time [searching for the game], And for sports professionals who own or license the event. “
Since 2018, live sports and media rights are only increasingly decentralized (see MLB adding Amazon, Apple and Peacock to the mix). With technical improvements, “it’s a little easier for fans to connect to the event if they already know where they can watch and subscribe to such a service,” Murphy Stephens said. Says. But when it came to fans finding content, the problem was exacerbated.
The 2022 Beijing Olympics was a prime example. Comcast NBCUniversal touted thousands of hours of live programming on all networks and platforms, but the game was “the least noticed” in the history of networks. “The big problem was people complaining that they couldn’t find or connect to the event they wanted while the event was available,” Murphy Stephens said. Time zones, ongoing human rights issues, and pandemics were also factors that affected viewership.
Murphy-Stephans said SportsBubble has embarked on the creation of a global sports connectivity service to solve content discovery and access issues that plague sports fans. The WatchSports app lists all sporting events and esports events that occur at a particular time, as well as the network or streaming service that runs the event. Also, if SportsBubble is affiliated with the rights owner, fans will be able to connect directly to the game. DAZN, Pac-12 Conference and Networks, and NWSL are one of the founding partners of the app.
The WatchSports app is a useful tool for fans who know what event they want to see and need to understand where and how to access it quickly. In addition, with a list of all events across the network and display platform, WatchSports can also serve those looking for something fun to watch. “”[Users will] Come across an event [they] I didn’t even know it was available, and they are accessible live [three] Click, “said Murphy Stephens.
Well, at least something that doesn’t exist behind the paywall. If the event is being broadcast over a cable network, the user will need to authenticate through the provider, but according to Murphy-Stephans, the user will soon be able to authenticate with the app and connect directly. Also, if the fan has not subscribed to the service of the event, the fan will be offered the opportunity to subscribe at that time. “It’s part of our business model,” Murphy-Stephans said.
In addition to acting as an affiliate for both streaming services and sports betting operators (planned to be able to connect to bets), WatchSports will generate revenue as a listing service. “It costs money to list events and keep them live 24/7. The app itself is a marketing tool for leagues, event owners, TV networks and streaming services,” Murphy-Stephans said. I am saying.
The business roadmap will soon begin rolling out premium services.
This kind of widespread discovery made possible by the WatchSports app should theoretically help women’s sports. “Even now, with the evolution of women’s sports and the success of great athletes, less than 5% of network TV sports are dedicated to women’s sports,” said former Olympic speed skater Murphy Stephens. .. Most remain on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, and remain far from the average fan consciousness.
WatchSports believes it helps level the playing field. “You can introduce and list all women’s sporting events with live feeds, let fans know where you can watch those events, and in most cases connect directly. [since they reside on free platforms]”Murphy Stephens said.
Rightsholders and networks also seem to benefit from the Watch Sports app becoming a home staple, like the old TV Guide. Joe Markowski, EVP of the DAZN Group, said in a press release, “This app is not only a new way for fans to easily find and access live sports, but also because DAZN continues to expand its subscriber base. It acts as another great partnership for us. “
Cohen agreed that WatchSports can promote meaningful viewership and subscriptions. However, streaming companies need to change the way rights are packaged and sold to maximize their potential. “Mini subscription. Partial plan. Individual game plan. [WatchSports] It will be a catalyst for distributors to change [their offerings] It better reflects what consumers today want, their choices. “
SportsBubble is not the only company trying to solve the content discovery challenge. Buzzer, a mobile application, exists to allow fans to experience “the best live moments in sports”. The startup raised $ 20 million in Series A last summer.
Sports Bubble has not raised funds so far. Murphy-Stephans has funded the early stages of R & D and seeding through her media company, LMS Media Ventures. She is currently starting to raise $ 5 million in seeds for “building and growth.” That means adding team members, adding partners, and expanding the user base.
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