Live Sports Streaming Is Officially Overwhelming ISPs, New Survey Finds

Live sports streaming is overwhelming Internet Service Providers, with a new survey from content delivery network Netskrt revealing that massive, unpredictable traffic spikes are putting unprecedented strain on internet infrastructure. The shift in viewership from broadcast to streaming means that while platforms get the subscribers, ISPs are left dealing with the technical fallout.

• Feeling the strain: The data reveals just how stressed networks have become. A staggering nearly 80% of ISPs said live events are their top reliability concern, with nearly three-quarters reporting network traffic surges of up to 200% during major games, leading to the buffering and congestion that drives viewers crazy.

• The blame game: The technical nightmare for ISPs is a direct result of more fans streaming games than watching on traditional TV. While streaming platforms reap the rewards of exclusive rights, they also bear the brunt of the fallout when things go wrong, as frustrated fans are quick to blame the app—not their internet provider—for a glitchy feed, according to analysis of the trend.

• Gridiron gridlock: For the ISPs surveyed, not all sports create the same headache. American football was named the single most challenging sport to deliver, with 70% of those concerned about sports pointing to it specifically.

As more high-stakes sports rights move exclusively to streaming, the tension between content providers and the ISPs that deliver their product will only grow, forcing the industry to find more collaborative ways to manage traffic. The technical challenges for ISPs are a direct response to a massive change in fan behavior, with the shift to digital sports viewership continuing to accelerate faster than many in the industry predicted.