Streaming-exclusive fan base: A sports network study shows 70% of its audience watches via streaming only (unreachable on traditional TV). About 75% of Canadian sports fans now watch live games on online platforms. Sportsnet+ saw a 30% year-over-year usage increase, reaching 6.7 million monthly viewers. Even U SPORTS streaming grew 20% over last year, exceeding one million championship streams on CBC’s digital platforms.

Uniting distant audiences: Professionally streamed events like Toronto Film School’s graduation allowed global audiences to tune in live. Sports organizations benefit similarly - Ontario Soccer's streamed matches consistently draw thousands of remote viewers, with fans watching across provinces and even internationally. Broadcasting removes physical barriers and brings the community together.

Massive engagement potential: UNHCR's charity livestream reached over 360,000 concurrent viewers, demonstrating livestreaming’s scale. For sports leagues, such reach offers powerful ROI—69% of Canadian streamers pay attention to ads during live sports, and these viewers are 25% more likely to act on them compared to TV audiences. Sponsors benefit from visibility and association with a polished, professional product.

Next-gen fan experiences: AR, AI, and immersive tools are transforming sports media. AI-generated clips, dynamic overlays, and custom viewer controls are now expected features. Early adopters like Ontario Soccer's have started integrating these tools in collaboration with tech-forward broadcast partners. Investing now ensures a league remains ahead of fan expectations and tech evolution.