Matt Stagg to depart Warner Bros. Discovery for new opportunities in immersive sports broadcasting

Matt Stagg, mobile and immersive director at BT Sport

Matt Stagg, director of mobile and immersive at BT Sport, is departing the business following its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to pursue new opportunities driving the sports broadcasting industry forwards. He is looking to continue to help the sector forge ahead into new immersive technologies such as 5G, mixed reality (XR), Web 3.0, and artificial intelligence (AI).

During his time at BT Sport as a member of the senior management team, Stagg was responsible for driving the company’s mobile strategy and played a key role in the development of the broadcaster’s award-winning mobile app. He was also instrumental in the deployment of 5G technology for remote production, enabling new levels of fan engagement and immersive experiences.

Stagg’s move away from BT Sport comes at a time when the sports industry is undergoing a significant shift towards new and innovative technologies. The emergence of 5G networks, combined with advancements in augmented and virtual reality, is set to transform the way fans engage with their favourite sports.

Stagg is ready to seize the immersive bull by the horns in his pursuit of a challenging new role. He told SVG Europe: “The sports industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and I am looking forward to being a part of that change, driving new and innovative technologies that will enhance the fan experience and bring them closer to the action than ever before.

“I have decided not to stay at Warner Bros. Discovery Sports as I see my future in following my passion for cutting edge, emerging tech, and utilising the expertise I have built up over the past decade in mobile and immersive technologies, in order to push the sports broadcasting industry forwards.

“We are on the verge of huge changes in the way sports content is consumed by viewers, but there are many technological challenges facing us in order to get to that nirvana; I want to be there to help shape and drive this industry forwards.”

He added: “I am incredibly proud of what we achieved during my time at BT Sport, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I can’t wait to join a progressive company that is seriously looking at XR, 5G, Web 3.0 in sport, and more.”

Stagg is an Advisory Board member at Brunel University and also for UK5G, as well as recently taking on an advisory board role at 3D live streaming start up Condense.

Prior to BT Sport, Stagg was a director at mobile network provider EE for seven years, where he worked to transform the connected entertainment industry and take the telco forwards in his role of head of media and entertainment technology before joining BT Sport.

At EE his roles also included head of mobile video and content, senior manager of network strategy, and principal designer. He has also worked as principal designer at mobile network Orange, and has over 20 years’ experience in the telecoms industry.

Stagg will leave Warner Bros. Discovery Sports on 31 May.