10th-Annual SVG Regional Sports Production Summit Presents Useful Roadmap for the Future of the RSN, Local Media Business 250+ attendees reunited in Chicago for a full day of panel discussions and networking By Kristian Hern ndez, Senior Editor Thursday, June 26, 2025 - 8:00 am
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The landscape of regionalized sports coverage is continuing to change: regional sports networks are adapting to new content and production strategies, over-the-air (OTA) packages and direct-to-consumer (DTC) platforms are allowing professional sports teams to produce their own live broadcasts, and digital initiatives like free ad-supported TV (FAST) are offering new ways to reach their respective fanbases. At the same time, mobile-service providers and tech manufacturers are raising the bar on the gear that's available and opening doors to the next-generation of staffers is always a top priority. With so much on the table to parse through, the 10th-annual SVG Regional Sports Production Summit brought more than 250 professionals together in Chicago for a full day of panel discussions, presentations, and networking time to chart out the future of this portion of the sports-video-production industry.
More than 250 professionals were in attendance on June 23-24 at the Hilton Chicago.
Taking place at the Hilton Chicago on June 23-24, topics also included the latest in live-production workflows, authenticated streaming, sports betting and alternate telecasts, 4K HDR and other next-gen technologies, labor and crewing, league and team relationships, and more.
Following Welcoming Remarks by Program Productions' Executive Chairman Bob Carzoli, who was the event's Title Sponsor, the day began with an introductory presentation that broke down the state of the regional sports business. Crakes Media's Principal Patrick Crakes, a longtime sports-media veteran and strategic advisor, outlined the current challenges, available solutions, and potential future of what's to come.
Program Productions' Bob Carzoli welcomed attendees to the 10th-annual SVG Regional Sports Production Summit.
Next, representatives from five regional sports networks across the country - Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Chicago Sports Network, NBC Sports Regional Networks, Marquee Sports Network, and SportsNet New York - presented productions ideas that have a long-term impacting on their viewing audiences despite the tough times that the market is facing. Between cable's ongoing cord-cutting exodus, more games migrating to national-rights packages, and a professional teams opting to take productions in house, these individuals explain how they're continuing to innovate and find fresh ways to engage fans old and new.
After a short networking break, Main Street Sports' President, Production and Programming, Norby Williamson joined the stage as the Keynote speaker. Speaking with SVG's Executive Director, Editorial Services, Ken Kerschbaumer, Williamson illustrated how the revamped FanDuel Sports Network operation is handling live productions for more than 3,000 NBA, NHL and MLB events, as well as original programming for the company's 15 RSNs.
In this year's Keynote Conversation, Main Street Sports' Norby Williamson explained how the revamped FanDuel Sports Networks are handling live productions for more than 3,000 NBA, NHL and MLB events, as well as original programming for the company's 15 RSNs.
Professional sports teams joined the conversation on the main stage as well. In the new age of localized sports production, DTC, and OTA, franchises are paving their own way to get live broadcast to their supporters. Phoenix Suns' Executive Producer Bob Adlhoch, Seattle Kraken's VP of Broadcast Ryan Schaber, Raycom Sports' VP of Engineering & Technology Operations Bill Stafford, and Texas Rangers' SVP of Broadcasting and Rangers Sports Network Executive Producer Angie Swint chatted about developing their own production strategies and how they're engaging with their local fans.
Prior to lunch, hardware and software at the regional level were examined. The panel showcased the cloud-based workflows, remote production, AI-driven automation, IP-based transmission, graphics and data integration, and enhanced fan engagement tools that are reshaping how sports broadcasts are created, delivered, and consumed.
Updates to facilities, labor, crewing, and pressing logistical questions were discussed. Members from Game Creek Video and Mobile TV Group, Program Productions, YES Network, and FanDuel Sports Network served up a comprehensive look at the impact of RSN restructuring, shifting labor dynamics, the latest advances in remote and centralized production models, and what it takes to maintain high-quality broadcasts in a rapidly changing environment.
Five RSNs - Altitude Sports & Entertainment, Chicago Sports Network, NBC Sports Regional Networks, Marquee Sports Network, and SportsNet New York - discussed new innovations and production ideas.
Alternative broadcasts was the subject of the next panel. Blending animation, data-driven storytelling, and interactive elements to engage a younger, more digital-savvy audience, this method of production is redefining the sports-viewing experience. Marquee Sports Network's VP of Content Justin Hathaway, NESN's VP of Content Josh Jun, Sportsnet Pittsburgh's Senior Director of Production & Operations David Koppett, and Gameday Creative's Owner/Creative Director Eric Say explored how leagues, broadcasters, and tech innovators leverage alternative production styles - from animated broadcasts and data visualizations to personality-based commentary and whiparound shows - to create new entry points for fans.
Up next, a case study featuring Marquee Sports Network's Director of DTC & Digit
