In line with our mission to address the technical challenges in streaming video delivery, we are proud to announce that we are part of the newly formed group, The Streaming Sports Council by the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA).

In today’s hyper-connected world, live sports streaming has become a cornerstone of modern entertainment. From high-stakes football matches to thrilling boxing showdowns, audiences now demand seamless, real-time access to their favorite events. But delivering such experiences at scale is no small feat.

This initiative aims to enhance collaboration and innovation within the sports streaming community, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in live sports broadcasting. As part of this council, MainStreaming will contribute its expertise in delivering high-quality streaming solutions, ensuring that sports fans enjoy seamless access to their favorite events.

The Growing Demand for Live Sports Streaming

The popularity of live sports streaming has surged in recent years, driven by audiences raising their expectations and seeking more interactive, real-time engagement with events. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global sports streaming market was valued at $18.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.4% from 2023 to 2030.

The scale of these events is impressive. For instance, according to Conviva, the 2022 FIFA World Cup shattered streaming records. The final match achieved a peak of 21.9 million concurrent streams, marking a 537% increase in total minutes streamed compared to the 2018 final. Similarly, Netflix reported that the recent boxing match between Paul vs Tyson became the most-streamed global sporting event ever, with 65 million live concurrent streams.

Despite these numbers, the task of live streaming sports is full of challenges. The stakes are high, not only in ensuring exceptional viewer experiences but also in meeting the technical demands of a global audience.

The Technology Behind Seamless Live Streaming

The complexities of live sports streaming were recently witnessed by Netflix during their highly anticipated boxing event, which faced broadcasting issues that impacted audience satisfaction. While Netflix excels at delivering VOD content and has the resources to ensure high-quality video, the recent sport event underscored how unpredictable live streaming can be and how handling the unique real-time requirements of live sports is not an easy job.

Delivering a flawless live streaming experience requires multiple technologies working seamlessly together. Scalability, low latency, and robust network capacity and stability are all critical to maintaining exceptional streaming quality at scale. Differentiating from traditional CDN models, at MainStreaming we’ve developed a flexible edge network that supports public, private, and hybrid deployment models, ensuring every business can find the right solution for their needs, all designed to bring content closer to viewers.

Our delivery solutions dynamically scale to accommodate millions of concurrent users, particularly during peak moments like the start of an event. By bypassing congestion points, we ensure low-latency streams with consistent quality for audience. For broadcasters and OTT services, this level of reliability is key to retaining viewers and building trust.

Real-time analytics further empower our customers. For example, our CMCD+ feature leverages real-time data from viewers' devices, offering media companies unparalleled insights into their streaming experiences. As local network conditions fluctuate, CMCD+ dynamically springs into action, intelligently rerouting traffic, and reallocating resources to maintain smooth playback.

Why Content Protection is Non-Negotiable

As live sports streaming grows, so does the risk of piracy. Sports events are among the most pirated content globally, with illicit streams causing billions of dollars in revenue losses each year. According to a study by Sponsorlytix, a leading sports AI company, illegal streaming of sports events could cost the industry up to $1 billion annually in lost advertising and sponsorship revenues.

Unauthorized streams not only divert revenue but also compromise the quality and security of the viewing experience of the legitimate audiences. For broadcasters, OTT platforms and rights owners, implementing robust anti-piracy measures is essential to safeguarding their investments and preserving their brand reputation.

At MainStreaming, we understand the urgency of content protection. Our Anti-Piracy solution safeguards streaming service from unauthorized access, piracy, and other online threats. Using advanced AI, machine learning, real-time telemetry and analytics, our solution detects behaviors such as credential sharing, VPN abuse, and illicit redistributions in real time, enabling swift action to minimize revenue leakage and ensure exclusive access for paying viewers.

Capturing The Challenges with The Streaming Sports Council

To overcome the technical challenges of delivering live sports streaming at scale, it’s essential to prioritize adaptability, innovation, and an unwavering focus on audience satisfaction. Combining robust technology, scalable infrastructure, and comprehensive security measures is paramount for delivering seamless, high-quality streaming experiences.

In this context, the newly formed Streaming Sports Council by the Streaming Video Technology Alliance (SVTA) aims to unite the industry in addressing these challenges. The council will convene two to three times a year to catalog and analyze the technical hurdles associated with streaming high-quality live sports. At MainStreaming, we are proud to be at the forefront of this collaboration and transformation. By empowering broadcasters and OTT services to tackle the complexities of live sports streaming, we help them meet the ever-evolving demands of this competitive arena.

Ultimately, success in live sports streaming hinges on a commitment to innovation and excellence in service delivery, ensuring that fans enjoy uninterrupted access to their favorite events.