Sports entertainment powerhouse Monumental Sports and ViewLift plan to introduce an integrated broadcast and streaming service for sports events.
Monumental Sports & Entertainment and ViewLift Unveil Comprehensive Broadcast and Streaming Solution
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and digital solutions provider ViewLift have joined forces to create a full-stack broadcast and streaming platform tailored to the needs of U.S. professional sports teams. This joint venture, set to launch officially in fall 2025, aims to help teams navigate a fragmented and ever-changing local media distribution landscape.
MSE, which owns several D.C.-area pro sports teams and the Monumental Sports Network, brings its expertise in linear TV production, rights ownership, and media network operations to the table. With the acquisition of NBC Sports Washington from NBCUniversal in 2022, MSE gained the television rights for its teams and has since been at the forefront of addressing the challenges teams face in distributing content locally.
ViewLift, on the other hand, offers content management, multiplatform distribution, real-time analytics, and flexible monetization models. The company serves 16 major professional sports teams, six regional sports networks, and multiple leagues in the U.S., including the NBA and NHL. ViewLift's scalable streaming technology, audience engagement tools, and revenue optimization advisement make it an ideal partner for MSE.
The alliance between the two entities offers additional services, including game and studio programming production, co-production of shoulder programming, and potential programming distribution within a network that includes 16 major U.S. professional sports teams and six RSNs.
One of the key benefits of this partnership is the ability for teams to "own their local network strategy." This solution enables teams to deliver content through cable, direct-to-consumer (DTC), free TV/DTC mixtures, or combinations thereof, offering a seamless integration of linear and streaming delivery to reach regional fanbases effectively.
Zach Leonsis, president of Media & New Enterprises at MSE, stated that MSE has faced and solved many challenges teams across the country are now confronting in distributing content locally. With the launch of Monumental+ (M+) ahead of the 2024-25 NBA and NHL seasons, MSE demonstrates its commitment to providing innovative solutions to these challenges.
Monumental+ offers streaming access to live games, original content, and innovative fan features like alternate camera angles, a multiview feature, and a live sports betting and gamification experience. By partnering with ViewLift, MSE aims to create bespoke, future-ready solutions for sports teams and ownership groups navigating a constantly evolving media distribution environment.
For more information about the alliance between MSE and ViewLift, visit monumentalsports.com and viewlift.com.
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ViewLift offers end-to-end streaming direct-to-consumer (DTC) and TV everywhere (TVE) digital development services, including custom apps across web, mobile, and connected TVs. The company's digital content management, multiplatform streaming infrastructure, real-time analytics, and monetization models make it an ideal partner for sports teams and regional sports networks seeking to optimize their digital presence and revenue streams.
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MSE operates one of the largest in-house production teams in the NBA, NHL, and WNBA. This in-house team, along with MSE's ownership of the Monumental Sports Network, allows the company to distribute local broadcast rights for the Washington Capitals (NHL), Washington Wizards (NBA), Washington Mystics (WNBA), and Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League) via Monumental Sports.
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The partnership between MSE and ViewLift is poised to address the challenges of fragmented local sports media distribution, especially as many teams reacquire or buy back their local rights amid regional sports network instability. This solution enables teams to have greater control, revenue flexibility, and modern fan engagement across linear and OTT channels.
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In summary, this joint venture between MSE and ViewLift represents a full-stack broadcast and streaming platform tailored to the needs of U.S. professional sports teams navigating a changing media distribution environment, enabling greater control, revenue flexibility, and modern fan engagement across linear and OTT channels.
- The joint venture between Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and ViewLift will utilize 4K technology for the highest quality video streaming.
- This partnership will offer sports teams the ability to stream content directly to consumers (DTC) and across numerous platforms, thanks to ViewLift's scalable streaming technology.
- With ViewLift's content management and multiplatform distribution services, teams will be able to deliver video content, including sports games and original programming, to regional fanbases.
- MSE's expertise in linear TV production and media network operations, combined with ViewLift's analytics and monetization models, will offer sports teams and ownership groups a digital solution designed for the present and future.
- The combination of MSE's in-house production team and ViewLift's digital infrastructure will cater to sports leagues such as the NHL, NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.
- The dedicated studio and game programming production services provided by the alliance will allow teams to create immersive viewing experiences complete with alternate camera angles and other innovative fan features.
- The venture will also offer a multiview feature, enhancing fan engagement beyond the traditional television broadcast, and a live sports betting and gamification experience, leveraging the growing trend of interactive viewing.
- In the rapidly evolving media distribution landscape, this partnership will give sports teams the flexibility to distribute their content via cable, free TV, direct-to-consumer (DTC), or an amalgamation of these methods.
- By addressing the challenges faced by sports teams in their local media distribution, this digital solution represents a unique opportunity for organizations to own their local network strategy, maximize revenue streams, and engage fans in innovative ways.
- Whether you're a dedicated hockey fan cheering for the Washington Capitals or a basketball enthusiast supporting the Washington Wizards, this partnership between MSE and ViewLift will ensure you have access to the best digital content across multiple platforms, bringing your favorite sports closer than ever before.
