We had the great pleasure of hosting the top media vendors during Ocean Media’s Sports Playbook event at our offices. Partners from each media brand showcased their most recent and upcoming content, newest ad capabilities, and developing partner opportunities. They also provided insights and answered questions about the changing landscape of sports entertainment, offering perspectives on what to expect in the coming year and beyond.

The sports landscape is undergoing a major shift, and the discussions at Ocean Media’s Sports Playbook provided valuable insights into where the industry is headed. Here are some brief key takeaways from the event:

Update on the sports joint venture app

As we’ve covered here, the announcement of a joint sports streaming app by WBD, FOX, and Disney addresses a comprehensive sports platform. There has not been much information since the press release, but we did get an update.

During the initial six months, the focus will solely be on managing inventory while the company establishes its consumer base. As the consumer base expands, they will begin selling directly from each publisher through DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion). However, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a fully integrated sales team until the upfront of 2025 or 2026.

Women’s sports are more than a hot topic, they are a part of every network’s future plans

Networks are making significant investments in collegiate and professional women’s sports, signaling a shift towards inclusivity and recognition of female athletes’ achievements. From Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to the spotlight shining brightly on the national Women’s Soccer League, the narrative is changing, promising a more equitable future for sports media.

Podcasts/Vodcasts are an engaging content avenue for passionate fans

Podcasts have become mainstream media, and the way they are presented is still evolving. While some podcasts are strictly audio-based, many now incorporate video alongside their audio content. For streaming platforms, tapping into podcasts presents a compelling opportunity for marketers to connect with consumers in a more intimate setting.

Engaging podcasts like “On Base with Mookie Betts” present fantastic opportunities to connect with passionate sports fans. As the landscape evolves, such avenues will become increasingly vital for brands seeking to establish a meaningful presence in the sports media ecosystem.

Networks continue to bet big on sports exclusives on streaming platforms for subscriber growth

Publishers will continue to leverage tentpole events and push exclusive content on streaming platforms to attract more paid subscribers. They also announced upcoming events:

• Amazon will have a Black Friday exclusive NFL game in 2024 and an exclusive Wildcard Game in 2025
• NBC will have a dedicated Olympic Hub on Peacock, as well as a Peacock-exclusive NFL Regular Season game and a Wildcard Game
• ESPN will have an exclusive NFL Regular Season Game on ESPN+

A special thank you to Paramount+, NBCUniversal, Prime Video & Amazon Studios, The E.W. Scripps Company, FOX Sports, Disney, Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and Warner Bros. Discovery Sports for joining us and presenting.