Peacock will get its first sports alt-cast
NBC Sports plans to live-stream its first NFL game later this month on Peacock that mixes live action and aspects from the Madden NFL video games. The broadcast will also feature player ratings and interactive data as seen in the video game. The detailed graphics of Madden games take on a near true-to-life form and should offer a unique and innovative experience for football fans. NBC has recently increased its investments in sports, most notably for the rights to the Olympics, NBA games and now the NFL. Timing seems right to kick off the cast with this top matchup between two first place teams; Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.
The Circana Take:
- Streamer services are all looking for ways to differentiate themselves by finding innovative ways to attract audiences and attract subscriptions. As such, using the well-known Madden name and game features has the potential to attract attention.
Max mirrors HBO channels
Warner Bros. Discovery is testing channels on Max that mirror content on linear HBO channels. Some ad-free subscribers will see an option on the Max homepage called “Channels.” When a channel is selected, subscribers will be automatically directed to the content that is playing and be able to restart or move around within it. Linear channels include HBO Comedy, HBO Signature, HBO Zone, and HBO and HBO 2. For channel surfers and those who are not sure what to watch, this feature will make it easier to discover and move quickly into content.
The Circana Take:
- Is Warner Bros. Discovery going retro and reviving cable TV?
DAZN to stream FIFA Club World Cup
DAZN will livestream the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup for free. The tournament will take place in the U.S. and begins in mid-June running for a month. It will feature thirty-two teams playing in over sixty matches across a dozen stadiums and ends with the final match at MetLife Stadium in NJ. All matches will be live streamed, giving football fans free access to the entire tournament. DAZN typically charges $30/month or $20/month with a full year contract.
The Circana Take:
- DAZN is positioning itself as a go-to source for global sports content and like many streaming services will be monetizing the programming through advertising while they attract subscribers through promoting this event.