Monumental Sports & Entertainment and ViewLift Team Up to Revolutionize Local Sports Broadcasting
Sports powerhouse Monumental Sports and ViewLift set to debut comprehensive broadcast and streaming sports service
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and ViewLift have joined forces to create a groundbreaking platform, Monumental+ (M+), designed to revolutionize the way U.S. professional sports teams distribute their content to fans [1][3]. This strategic alliance combines MSE's deep experience in local sports broadcasting with ViewLift's digital distribution expertise, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to the unique needs of sports teams [1][3].
Key Offerings
The partnership aims to offer a hybrid solution encompassing both linear (cable/over-the-air) and digital (streaming/direct-to-consumer) distribution channels. This approach ensures that teams can reach their fans through multiple platforms, minimizing blackouts and maximizing audience reach [1][2].
Teams can also choose from various customizable local network strategies, including cable/direct-to-consumer combinations, free TV/direct-to-consumer pairings, or full cable/free TV/direct-to-consumer integrations, depending on their market requirements [2].
MSE will provide end-to-end production services for live games, pre- and post-game shows, crewing, technical asset management, studio innovation, and consulting [2][4]. Additionally, the offering includes support for advertising, sponsorship integrations, subscription services, and analytics to help teams optimize revenue and engagement across platforms [2].
Operational and strategic support will also be provided, with MSE sharing best practices and operational playbooks developed through its ownership of the Monumental Sports Network (MNMT), which broadcasts Washington Capitals, Wizards, Mystics, and Capital City Go-Go games [3][4].
Industry Context and Motivation
The partnership responds to a growing trend in the industry where professional teams are taking greater control over their local broadcast rights, often moving away from traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) due to market instability [2][4]. MSE's experience—gained through acquiring and operating its own regional network—provides a real-world model for other teams looking to build or expand their in-house capabilities [1][4].
Launch and Target Audience
The joint product offering is set to launch in the fall of 2025 and is primarily aimed at NBA, MLB, and NHL teams seeking to "own their own local network strategy" [2]. The initiative has already drawn interest from more than 20 teams over the past three years, according to MSE's Zach Leonsis [2].
Summary Table: MSE-ViewLift Partnership Offerings
| Service Area | Description | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Distribution | Hybrid linear (cable/OTA) and digital (streaming/DTC) solutions | | Production | Live game production, studio shows, technical asset management | | Monetization | Ad sales, sponsorships, subscription services, analytics | | Consulting | Strategic and operational guidance for local rights and network launches | | Customization | Flexible models to fit team-specific market needs |
This alliance represents a first-of-its-kind venture in U.S. sports media, combining deep linear broadcasting experience with cutting-edge digital distribution to help teams thrive in an increasingly fragmented and competitive local sports media environment [1][3]. MSE operates one of the largest in-house production teams in the NBA, NHL, and WNBA, while ViewLift is a digital solutions provider offering content management, multiplatform distribution, real-time analytics, and flexible monetization models for sports and media brands worldwide. The alliance aims to share MSE's playbook and help others successfully distribute their content in their local markets, leveraging MSE's experience in overcoming challenges related to direct-to-consumer (DTC) and TV everywhere (TVE) digital development.
- Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and ViewLift are teaming up to establish Monumental+ (M+), a platform designed to revolutionize the way U.S. professional sports teams distribute their content to fans.
- This strategic alliance combines MSE's expertise in local sports broadcasting with ViewLift's digital distribution expertise, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to sports teams.
- The partnership aims to offer a hybrid solution encompassing both linear (cable/over-the-air) and digital (streaming/direct-to-consumer) distribution channels.
- Teams can choose from various customizable local network strategies, such as cable/direct-to-consumer combinations, free TV/direct-to-consumer pairings, or full cable/free TV/direct-to-consumer integrations.
- MSE will provide end-to-end production services for live games, studio shows, crewing, technical asset management, and studio innovation.
- The offering includes support for advertising, sponsorship integrations, subscription services, and analytics to help teams optimize revenue and engagement across platforms.
- Operational and strategic support will be provided, with MSE sharing best practices and operational playbooks developed through its ownership of the Monumental Sports Network (MNMT).
- The partnership responds to a growing trend in the industry where professional teams are taking greater control over their local broadcast rights.
- The joint product offering is set to launch in the fall of 2025 and is primarily aimed at NBA, MLB, and NHL teams.
- The alliance represents a first-of-its-kind venture in U.S. sports media, combining deep linear broadcasting experience with cutting-edge digital distribution.
- MSE operates one of the largest in-house production teams in the NBA, NHL, and WNBA, while ViewLift is a digital solutions provider offering content management, multiplatform distribution, real-time analytics, and flexible monetization models for sports and media brands worldwide.
