With the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms for sports content, broadcasters, leagues, and teams have more control over OTT monetization strategies. Launching a sports OTT platform can unlock new revenue opportunities. Here are six ways to drive revenue through sports streaming monetization:
1. Subscription-Based Model
A subscription-based OTT model is one of the most popular ways to generate revenue from a sports OTT service. Viewers are willing to pay for live sports streaming, exclusive game highlights, and premium sports content. By offering tiered subscription plans (monthly, quarterly, yearly), you can appeal to various audience segments.
2. Pay-Per-View (PPV)
A pay-per-view OTT model works well for high-profile sports events like championships or one-off matches. Sports fans may not want a full subscription but are willing to pay for specific events like boxing matches, UFC fights, or major tournaments.
3. Advertising & Sponsorship
Ad-based OTT monetization is highly effective, especially through FAST channels (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV). By placing ads in pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll positions, you can generate revenue while offering free sports streaming to viewers. Additionally, long-term sponsorship deals with brands can drive substantial revenue.
4. Affiliate Marketing
Incorporating affiliate marketing can add another revenue stream to your OTT sports platform. Partner with companies in related industries, such as sports betting platforms, sports equipment brands, or fitness apps. Earning commissions from affiliate sales can enhance overall revenue.
Specialty sports courses
Offering a specialty course lets you share your specialized expertise and sports knowledge – and is a great way to diversify your revenue streams. Whether you typically coach teams, work with individual clients, or focus on e-commerce, specialty courses can give your viewers a competitive edge in a particular sport or build resilience against activity-specific injuries. And that’s worth a lot.
You may not be able to find enough people locally to justify creating a specialty course (especially for niche sports), but an OTT streaming platform lets you recruit members from a worldwide market. 4-week and 90-day courses are a great example – viewers can choose from a push-up program, a jump rope and dumbbell plan, a 90-day rapid weight loss program, and more.
6. Merchandise Sales
At Gizmott, expanding into merchandise sales is a future revenue stream for sports OTT platforms. As the platform evolves, selling branded team merchandise, jerseys, and memorabilia could become an effective way to engage fans and create an additional income source.
Conclusion
Maximizing revenue from your sports OTT platform involves leveraging multiple monetization strategies, including subscription-based models, pay-per-view, advertising, affiliate marketing, and in-app purchases, with merchandise sales as a future opportunity. By integrating these methods, your platform can effectively cater to diverse audience segments while generating steady income. At Gizmott, we offer an all-in-one solution for sports broadcasters, content creators, and organizations to launch and monetize their OTT services. Our flexible platform provides customizable, white-labeled solutions tailored to your brand’s needs, with features like ad monetization, tiered subscription plans, and a future expansion into merchandise sales. Gizmott is your partner in building a successful and profitable sports OTT platform with long-term growth in mind
