The research study recommends that broadcasters apply new technologies to provide immersive content via a premium media channel.
OTT platforms such as Amazon are believed to be in pole position to acquire US sports rights, with the costs offset by increased Prime subscriptions, allied to additional income from eRetail purchases made via the Amazon platform.
The new research by Juniper, The Future of Sports Content: Technologies, Broadcast Strategies & eSports 2018-2023, states that the sports broadcast industry will be significantly disrupted over the next five years from OTT rights purchases.
Research author Lauren Foye explained: According to our analysis, Amazon would only require 1.7m new Prime subscribers to pay for Turners current Major League Baseball rights package priced in the region of $3bn for eight years.
Juniper recommends that broadcasters apply new technologies to drive audience engagement, with AR, cognitive highlights and 360-degree camera angles critical to providing immersive content via a premium media channel. In addition, broadcasters must seize the eSports opportunity; partnerships with games publishers or eSports leagues will allow the broadcast of exclusive content and media.
