Tue Dec 16 03:50:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, rewritten as a news article:

Sports Broadcasting World Sees Viewership Gains and Tech Innovations

The sports broadcasting landscape is seeing a blend of innovation and viewership growth as the year closes out. Conversations between athletes like Paul Rabil and Pat Spencer are highlighting the crossover appeal of different sports, while behind-the-scenes, networks are experimenting with technology to enhance the viewing experience.

ESPN’s “ManningCast” is a prime example, now in its fifth season and utilizing augmented reality and XR technology to provide unique quarterback perspectives. The goal, according to Omaha Productions, is to give Peyton and Eli Manning the tools to connect with viewers in a more immersive way. Balancing tech with authenticity remains key.

FanDuel Sports Network is also seeing positive trends, with NBA and NHL viewership up thanks to a combination of linear TV growth and increased streaming adoption. NBA games are up 12% in total audience viewership, with significant growth in streaming minutes. NHL is showing even stronger gains, with a 26% jump in total viewership and a 61% surge in streaming.

In other news, industry veteran David Levy, former Turner chief, will be inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He reflected on his career, especially his work growing TNT’s relationship with the NBA.

Meanwhile, TNT Sports is expanding its college football coverage, adding two quarterfinal and one semifinal College Football Playoff games to its lineup as part of a deal with ESPN. Fox Sports’ Mike Mulvihill is crediting Nielsen for improved measurement of out-of-home viewing.

Viewer habits are changing as well, with a trend toward watching multiple events simultaneously despite the limitations of streaming service channel availability. FS1’s “First Things First” is experiencing viewership growth alongside the introduction of Big Data. ESPN enjoyed strong viewership for women’s and men’s college basketball. Prime Video saw a slight dip in “Thursday Night Football” viewership in Week 15, but Amazon is still on track for its best season yet, while the NHL is averaging substantial viewership increases on ESPN.

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