OTT platform , which stands for over-the-top, refers to an online content service that is directly provided to the public. The advent of 5G technology is expected to fuel rapid growth of these services, particularly within the sports industry.

OTT eliminates the need for traditional broadcasting intermediaries like televisions or telecom operators, enabling content producers to offer their content directly to the audience, a concept known as “Direct-to-Consumer” or “D2C.” Platforms like OKAST enable anyone to launch their own OTT service, ushering in a new economy for creators and broadcasters of audio and video content.

The sports industry has been one of the last sectors to embrace online and OTT streaming services. The introduction of Covid-19 accelerated the shift towards live streaming of sporting events, which has now become the norm.

OTT has become a significant source of revenue and audience engagement for all stakeholders in the sports industry. Furthermore, the demand for streaming services continues to grow exponentially. It is not surprising that Amazon acquired the rights to broadcast NFL games for $130 million in April 2018, or that they secured the broadcasting rights for Roland Garros between 2021 and 2023.

What are the direct impacts of OTT platform and live streaming on the sports industry?

The emergence of OTT and live streaming tools has opened up opportunities for a wider range of sports to be watched, both by professionals and amateurs alike. It is now increasingly possible for individuals and organizations to launch their own sports streaming platforms, not limited to just professional clubs or popular sports such as soccer, tennis, or basketball. The scope of sports offered on OTT platforms is expanding to include diverse options like field hockey, volleyball, or even curling.

Furthermore, in addition to increased variety, there is a growing trend of local clubs broadcasting amateur matches. For example, platforms like OKAST have clients like the French Table Tennis Federation, which streams multiple matches simultaneously every weekend. Boxing clubs are also utilizing OTT platforms to offer galas featuring both professional and amateur fights. Imagine the convenience of having your child’s soccer or tennis match broadcasted on an OTT platform, allowing the rest of the family to watch it live or even catch the replay!

These new possibilities facilitated by live streaming and OTT are set to revolutionize how we consume sports in the years to come. It opens up avenues for greater accessibility and convenience, allowing a wider audience to engage with various sports at all levels of competition.

Sports streaming through OTT platforms

That provides the opportunity for global reach and scalability. By moving away from traditional broadcasters or distributors, the costs and legal complexities associated with negotiating contracts on a territorial basis are reduced. This allows for a more streamlined and efficient distribution process, reaching audiences worldwide.

Moreover, OTT eliminates the need to limit the broadcast of a sports event to a local level. Family members and fans living in different parts of the world can now have access to the live stream of a match, regardless of their geographical location. This opens up new possibilities for amateur sports clubs to connect with a broader audience and share their matches with supporters worldwide.

One of the significant advantages of OTT is the ability to accommodate an unlimited number of viewers. While physical stadiums have a limited capacity, streaming eliminates this constraint, enabling an unlimited number of fans to access and view the content. OTT platforms leverage cloud servers, which are capable of adapting to traffic demands and automatically scaling to handle high volumes of viewership.

Overall, OTT streaming empowers sports organizations to reach a global audience, break free from geographical limitations, and efficiently manage the scalability of their streaming services.