A glimpse into the future of sports production

The rapid evolution of viewer behavior and the growing complexity of sports coverage are reshaping the demands on sports production technology. At the forefront of these changes are remote and cloud-based production, both of which are critical yet distinct advancements driving innovation in our industry.

Today, broadcasters and media producers are covering more sports than ever before, striving to maximize ROI while meeting the diverse viewing habits of digitally connected audiences. This has created a pressing need for flexible deployment options that can adapt to varied production scenarios, from small-scale local events to high-profile global tournaments.

Remote production and cloud-based production are often conflated, but they serve different purposes. Remote production allows operators to work from centralized production hubs or even from their homes. By reducing travel, it not only improves work-life balance but also enables operators to produce multiple events daily, fostering greater and faster skill development and efficiency.

Cloud production, on the other hand, serves as an enabler for remote workflows, but it is not synonymous with them. For live sports production, cloud technology has proven effective in areas like content contribution and distribution, where simpler workflows and automation dominate. However, challenges such as connectivity, security, and cost transparency have limited its adoption for large-scale live events. At present, cloud workflows are better suited to lower-tier or volume-based productions and for use cases like distribution and repackaging.

Consistency across broadcast centers and mobile production units is essential. This ensures seamless interchange of media, metadata, and operator skills, creating a unified production ecosystem. Whether producing from a truck at the venue or a remote hub, operators must have access to the same tools and workflows to deliver high-quality results efficiently.

One of the most transformative claims about remote production is its potential contribution to sustainability. By minimizing travel and enabling centralized workflows, it promises to reduce onsite carbon footprints. While these advancements are commendable, I challenge the notion that cloud production addresses all sustainability concerns as seamlessly as the industry suggests. Beyond the surface benefits, considerations such as the energy demands of data centers and the environmental impact of maintaining vast digital infrastructures must be critically examined. As the industry intensifies its commitment to environmental responsibility, a more nuanced approach is required to fully understand and address the complex sustainability challenges in sports production.

As we look to 2025 and beyond, the shift towards remote and cloud-based workflows will continue to redefine how live sports are produced. We expect a sustained and growing demand for flexible deployment options as broadcasters seek hybrid or balanced production models. These models will integrate technologies deployed across cloud environments, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-made hardware, as well as virtualized infrastructures, providing tailored solutions to meet diverse production needs. Centralized production workflows, which enable seamless collaboration and operational efficiency, will also see continued expansion.

However, a critical consideration is the evolving role of the cloud in supporting live productions, particularly as the density of hardware improves to handle greater bandwidth demands. This evolution will open doors for more live sports productions in UHD, but it also presents challenges in finding the optimal balance between quality and bandwidth usage. As audiences increasingly expect higher-resolution content, the cloud's ability to manage these demands efficiently and cost-effectively will play a pivotal role in shaping its adoption for large-scale events.

Additionally, the growing emphasis on sustainability and adherence to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies—particularly in regions where such initiatives are prioritized—will drive the need for more sustainable and power-efficient solutions. Vendors will increasingly focus on developing hardware and software-defined solutions designed with energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact in mind, ensuring the production ecosystem aligns with the broader push for sustainability.

While cloud technology will gradually expand its role in specific areas, remote production will remain a cornerstone of innovation, offering greater efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. EVS’s focus remains on delivering cutting-edge tools and solutions that empower our customers to navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, ensuring that sports production not only meets technological and creative demands, but also contributes positively to global sustainability efforts.

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and automation are reshaping the landscape of video production and broadcast technology, but perhaps not in the way most might think. While much has been said about their potential to reduce roles through automation, we see their real power in enhancing creativity and enabling more dynamic, engaging productions.

AI and ML are unlocking unprecedented levels of creative freedom for production teams, especially in live settings. Generative AI is already making it possible for operators to produce top-tier live storytelling for second-tier sports, closing the gap in production quality. For example, the ability to generate super slow-motion replays from any camera angle is a game-changer, enabling production companies and service providers to achieve sophisticated results without the need for expensive high-speed cameras. This is the case for Limitless Broadcast, who make use of our Gen-AI powered XtraMotion,  allowing crews to deliver premium live storytelling at lower costs.

While AI tools open new creative possibilities, speed remains a challenge. There are still too many current solutions that struggle to deliver results in real time, particularly for live production. Market leaders must strike a balance between creativity and operational efficiency, ensuring that AI-powered tools can keep pace with the demands of fast-moving broadcasts without compromising creative potential.

It’s important to note that automation doesn’t always require AI. Many existing infrastructures, such as SDI, can be optimized with automation to enhance efficiency and extend their utility. This is particularly relevant as many broadcasters continue to rely on SDI infrastructure and are looking to maximize their investment in it. The rise of "flexible control rooms" further extends this potential, offering centralized control over diverse devices and workflows. This single-pane-of-glass approach not only streamlines operations, but also makes production systems more accessible to a younger, multi-skilled generation of operators.

The transformation brought by AI, ML, and automation complements the broader industry shifts toward remote and cloud-based production. Just as these new technologies enable flexible, hybrid production models, AI-driven creativity and automation provide the tools to deliver higher-quality content more efficiently and sustainably. Together, they empower broadcasters and production companies to adapt swiftly to evolving viewer expectations while optimizing existing resources.

In this context, AI is not simply about doing more with less; it’s about doing more with imagination. By amplifying creativity, increasing accessibility, and enhancing operational efficiency, these technologies are shaping the next era of live video production and broadcasting.