The Future of Sports Media
Building a 24/7 Sports Betting Network: The SportsGrid Success Story
Within sports media, the intersection of streaming technology and sports betting has created unique opportunities. Jeremy Stein, CEO and co-founder of SportsGrid, recognised this potential early and built a pioneering 24/7 sports betting network that's transforming how gambling content reaches audiences.
Spotting the Market Gap
The foundation of SportsGrid was built on a simple yet powerful insight about sports content.
“The original thesis of SportsGrid is that sports is data,” explains Stein. “You don’t need a large team of people to predict tonight’s game or recap last night’s game.”
This data-driven approach led naturally to sports betting. Stein launched SportsGrid in early 2017, strategically positioning the network ahead of any potential legalisation of online sports betting in the United States.
The timing proved fortuitous. Just nine months after launching, PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was repealed in May 2018, opening the floodgates for legal sports betting across America.
Leveraging Connected TV for Rapid Growth
SportsGrid’s impressive growth, 100% year-over-year despite being seven and a half years into its lifecycle, stems from its distribution strategy across streaming platforms.
“SportsGrid’s philosophy is that content should be free,” Stein emphasises. “We are distributed on over 30 different platforms. Wherever you consume content, you can watch SportsGrid.”
This approach capitalises on the shift towards connected TV. Rather than merely reaching cord-cutters, SportsGrid targets “cord-nevers”, viewers who have never subscribed to cable television.
The network benefits from technological evolution in the television industry. Smart TVs that connect directly to WiFi provide viewers immediate access to an abundance of content without traditional cable subscriptions.
Balancing Content for Various Audience Segments
Creating content that appeals to both casual fans and serious bettors requires a delicate balance. SportsGrid achieves this through a news-first approach.
“We think of ourselves first as a news network where we report injuries, odds changes, trades, anything that might impact the game,” says Stein. “That appeals to casual fans, serious bettors, and even people not interested in betting.”
This approach broadens their audience reach. The network complements news coverage with opinion shows where hosts share their betting perspectives, but with a crucial distinction.
“Everything is fully disclosed and in the spirit of entertainment,” Stein clarifies. “We are not trying to sell you any picks or get you to take a certain side.”
Responsible Gaming and Brand Trust
Despite opportunities to monetise through selling picks, a growing revenue channel for sports media, SportsGrid has deliberately avoided this path to maintain brand integrity.
“SportsGrid is a very trusted brand within our industry,” Stein explains. “We could potentially destroy that trust if we started selling picks.”
This decision reflects the network’s commitment to responsible gambling content. By maintaining editorial independence and focusing on news and entertainment rather than encouraging specific betting actions, SportsGrid supports responsible gaming principles.
“We want to appeal to all fans while ensuring our operating partners handle responsible gaming correctly on their end,” adds Stein.
Expanding into Casino Content
While sports betting formed SportsGrid’s initial focus, the network recognises the substantial market for casino content.
“About a third of global online casino registrations occur because somebody watches a video on YouTube with a slot streamer,” Stein reveals.
SportsGrid plans to tap into this audience by creating casino content that serves both viewers and operating partners. This expansion offers several advantages:
- Appeals to existing audience interests
- Serves operating partners who offer both sportsbooks and casinos
- Provides more evergreen content compared to time-sensitive sports coverage
The Future: Interactive Gambling Broadcasts
Looking ahead, Stein is most excited about interactivity in gambling broadcasts.
“You’re going to start seeing products where someone like a casino streamer can have a thousand people watching them but also simultaneously playing alongside them,” he predicts.
Connected TVs with internet access create opportunities for engagement far beyond traditional broadcasting. The combination of interactivity with live streams promises significant innovation in how audiences experience gambling content.
