
BT Sport's Matt Stagg: The metaverse is gaining momentum in sports broadcasting By Heather McLean
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - 11:08
Print This Story
Discovery Sports Events and Infinite Reality previewed a metaverse experience plus virtual content during the UCI Track Champions League in December 2022
The metaverse is here to stay and sports broadcasters need to be engaged in the development of this new virtual world, Matt Stagg, mobile and immersive director at BT Sport, has claimed.
We spoke to Stagg about the rise of the metaverse, how it will develop over 2023, and how the increasingly prevalent immersive virtual and augmented reality technologies will go hand in hand with its success.
Metaverse' was the buzzword of 2022, but the general conclusion towards the end of the year was that for sports broadcasting, the reality' of it was still a long way off. What will 2023 be for the metaverse in this industry?
Whilst it's difficult to predict the exact trajectory of the metaverse in sports broadcasting in 2023, it is likely that the industry will continue to explore and experiment with the technology. It's possible that more immersive and interactive experiences will become available, but the full potential of the metaverse in this context may still take time to fully realise.
The rise of volumetric video and spatial audio in virtual worlds is expected to enhance the overall fan experience. 3D and holographic content will provide fans with an immersive experience, beyond what traditional 2D content can offer.
The use cases will start with smaller interactive events, such as Q&A sessions, awards ceremonies, and training tips, but as the technology improves and the rigs get bigger, we will see more and more applications, including in sports such as boxing and MMA.
It's also likely that artificial intelligence (AI) will play a growing role in complementing extended reality (XR) development for live sports. AI can be used to improve various aspects of the XR experience, such as providing real-time analysis and insights, enhancing player tracking and performance analysis, and creating more engaging and interactive virtual environments.
The combination of AI and XR has the potential to revolutionise the way fans experience live sports.
What solid progress will be made in the sports broadcasting metaverse this year?
I believe we will see a number of advancements for the metaverse in sports broadcasting in 2023 which could include:
Improved technologies for creating and hosting virtual events and environments.
More partnerships and collaborations between sports organisations and metaverse companies, such as Sony partnering with Manchester City and Warner Bros. Discovery with Infinite Reality.
Development of revenue models for monetising metaverse experiences.
Increased investment and innovation in the metaverse sector by sports broadcasters and tech companies.
It's important to note that the progress made will depend on various factors, including technological advancements, market trends, and consumer demand.
How will immersive technology complement the metaverse in sports? Why is it important?
Immersive technology such as virtual and augmented reality (AR), haptic feedback and 3D audio can complement the metaverse in sports in several ways:
Enhanced viewing experiences: By providing a more immersive and interactive viewing experience, immersive technology can make the metaverse sports events more engaging and exciting for the viewers.
Improved realism: Immersive technology can make virtual sports events feel more real and lifelike, by simulating real-world environments, physical movements, and sensory experiences.
Increased interactivity: With haptic feedback, touch and other sensory inputs, viewers can interact with the virtual environment in new and exciting ways, making the experience more dynamic and engaging.
Accessibility: Immersive technology can also make metaverse sports events more accessible to a wider audience, including people with disabilities and those who are unable to attend real-world events.
Data analysis: Immersive technology can also be used to gather and analyse performance data in real-time, providing valuable insights into player and team performance.
These are just some of the ways in which immersive technology can complement the metaverse in sports and enhance the overall experience for viewers and participants.
Do the metaverse and immersive technology go hand in hand for sports broadcasting?
Yes, the metaverse and immersive technology often go hand in hand for sports broadcasting. The metaverse provides a virtual world or environment where immersive technology such as virtual reality (VR) and AR can be used to create more immersive and interactive experiences for viewers. The combination of the two technologies can make virtual sports events more lifelike, engaging and interactive, and allow for new and innovative ways of experiencing and enjoying sports.
By using immersive technology in the metaverse, sports broadcasters can provide a more compelling and realistic virtual experience, allowing viewers to feel as though they are actually at the event, despite being physically remote. This can open up new opportunities for engaging fans, enhancing the overall viewing experience, and increasing revenue for the industry.
Have the two technologies both reached a tipping point?
It's difficult to say if the metaverse and immersive technologies have reached a tipping point for sports broadcasting as the technology is still in its early stages and its adoption and impact are still being evaluated. However, there have been recent advancements and investments in the technology, which suggest that it is gaining momentum in the sports broadcasting industry.
The increasing popularity of virtual and augmented
North America Stories
04/07/2025
By Lucy Spicer
Editor's note: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robe...
04/07/2025
Introducing CVP Auctions: Trusted Tech, At Auction-Only Prices
Brie Clayton July 4, 2025
0 Comments
A New Destination for Film and Broadcast Gear at U...
04/07/2025
Unveiling China's Ecological Wonders with URSA Mini Pro 12K
Brie Clayton July 4, 2025
0 Comments
Nature Documentaries Freeze Epic Momentsin Extrem...
04/07/2025
Create Any Planet in After Effects
Graham Quince July 4, 2025
0 Comments
The Advanced 3D renderer in After Effects makes it really easy to import 3D o...
04/07/2025
Custom Gradient Colorize for Resolve Fusion
Simon Ubsdell July 4, 2025
0 Comments
Digging into the theory of the gradient colorize process to build ou...
04/07/2025
Watching live sports on TV these days is a delicate balance for broadcasters how much information is too much?...
04/07/2025
WASHINGTON As Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr works to achieve his goal of a very busy, productive summer at the FCC, the agency has rele...
04/07/2025
Other World Computing Launches OWC Guardian USB-C Hardware-Encrypted Portable SS...
04/07/2025
CANAL Brings MotoGP to Vision Pro with Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive
Brie Clayton July 3, 2025
0 Comments
Experience MotoGP like never before as CA...
03/07/2025
To achieve a true level of decisive overmatch, communication systems must be as ...
03/07/2025
The Broadcasters Foundation of America has named Ray Hopkins, president of U.S. distribution at Paramount Global, to its board of directors....
03/07/2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. In his first major policy speech, Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr outlined his Build America Agenda for the agency'...
03/07/2025
As the industry is making a major push to transition to NextGen TV and develop new businesses that will fund the next generation of broadcasting, TV Tech's ...
03/07/2025
Despite enabling its subscribers to watch films and TV shows in the highest possible resolution, Netflix has revealed it is taking things old school with the in...
03/07/2025
WASHINGTON In response to news that Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump, Democrats and other administra...
03/07/2025
WUPPERTAL, Germany Riedel Communications today launched RefSuite for professional sports workflows....
03/07/2025
WEITERSTADT, Germany LYNX Technik, a provider of modular signal processing solutions, has announced that founder and longtime CEO Winfried Deckelmann is steppin...
03/07/2025
WASHINGTON Representatives from six trade groups representing tech, pay TV, broadband, LPTV and other sectors recently met with Federal Communications Commissio...
03/07/2025
PLYMOUTH, Wis. Dan Whealy has acquired Heartland Video Systems and will be its new owner and president, the systems integrator said....
03/07/2025
Acclaimed filmmaker, educator, and industry veteran Jay Holben has released his most ambitious work to date: The Director's Guide to Everything a sweeping...
03/07/2025
For Los Angeles-based photographer Scout Pruski, documenting the annual Dyke Day LA is a way to honor and give back to the city's legacy queer community and...
03/07/2025
Modular, Travel-Ready Solution Matthews Studio Equipment launches the new Chimera V-Flat Panel Frame Kit, the lightweight and modular, ultra-durable alternativ...
03/07/2025
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the release of Dalet Flex 2025.6 LTS (long-term support), introdu...
03/07/2025
Lightware's LARA Wizard makes it quicker and easier than ever to set up audio-visual (AV) room automation and control configurations, ensuring anyone, from ...
03/07/2025
Alfalite, the only European manufacturer of LED screens, has obtained both the NCAGE Code (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act)...
03/07/2025
nxtedition is implementing a new solution for WIN Network, based in its headquarters in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. The nxtedition integrated platfo...
03/07/2025
ORS Group and Insys Video Technologies today announce the launch of a new joint brand identity: Big Blue Marble. The move reflects the evolution of a long-stand...
03/07/2025
Evergent, a global leader in customer lifecycle management and monetization solutions for subscription-based businesses, today announced the successful results ...
03/07/2025
LYNX Technik, provider of modular signal processing solutions today announces an executive leadership transition, effective July 1, 2025. Markus Motzko has been...
03/07/2025
Chaos Releases V-Ray for Blender
Brie Clayton July 2, 2025
0 Comments
Production-Proven Renderer V-Ray Arrives Natively in Blender for the First Time;...
03/07/2025
Calvin University Adds Blackmagic Replay to Broadcasts and Streams
Brie Clayton July 2, 2025
0 Comments
Replay workflow joins 14 Blackmagic Design cam...
03/07/2025
Berklee's Gospel Performance Program Welcomes Jonathan Nelson as the Herb Al...
03/07/2025
Back to All News
Get ready for even more action! Netflix has confirmed the thir...
03/07/2025
In today's fragmented media landscape, advertisers expect more than just reach - they want seamless cross-platform campaigns that deliver measurable results...
03/07/2025
The forecast this month is showing a 100% chance of epic gaming. Catch the scorching lineup of 20 titles coming to the cloud, which gamers can play whether indo...
02/07/2025
Hege Wik and Odin appear in FOLKTALES by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institut...
02/07/2025
(Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)
By Patty Consolazio
This one's for any person who's ever felt put down, left out, marginaliz...
02/07/2025
NEW YORK Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump, ending a long-running legal saga that could clear the way...
02/07/2025
WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission has approved the transfer of licenses for five TV stations from Sinclair to Rincon Broadcasting, which announce...
02/07/2025
As the media industry faces an uncertain business climate and rapidly changing consumer habits, TV Tech's most popular stories from the first six months of ...
02/07/2025
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. New data shows that U.S. homes now own an average of two smart TVs, with Samsung and LG dominating the market but Roku and FireTV continue to g...
02/07/2025
LOS ANGELES Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management have acquired FilmRise, an independent digital streaming content distributor, and merged it with Shout! ...
02/07/2025
WASHINGTON The Advanced Television Systems Committee named Luiz Fausto vice president of standards development, succeeding ATSC vice president Jerry Whitaker, w...
02/07/2025
Boston Conservatory and the Sphinx Organization Join Forces to Make Classical Ed...
02/07/2025
NEW AMSTERDAM CREATOR DAVID SCHULNER JOINS CREATIVE TEAM OF NEW FOX DRAMA SERIE...
02/07/2025
Progressive realism: Aurora on taking up the broadcast reins for World RX alongs...
02/07/2025
Great speed: New host broadcaster Aurora on getting the World RX 2025 season pro...
02/07/2025
Seat of its pants: Aurora boxes clever and looks ahead for the FIA as new host b...
02/07/2025
UEFA Women's Euro 2025: EBU, BBC Sport and Sunset Vine talk coverage plans, ...
02/07/2025
UEFA Women's Euro 2025: Women's Super League launches new content series...