Exercise 1 – Vocabulary

Repeat each word, definition, and example sentence after your tutor.

1. broadcast rights (noun) – legal permission to show a sports event on TV or online.
   Example: Companies pay billions of dollars for the broadcast rights to the World Cup.

2. subscription (noun) – an arrangement to pay regularly for access to a service.
   Example: Sports fans often pay monthly subscriptions to watch live matches.

3. exclusive (adj) – available only to one person or group, not shared.
   Example: Amazon signed an exclusive deal to stream Thursday night football.

4. revenue stream (noun) – a source of income for a business.
   Example: Streaming platforms create new revenue streams for sports leagues.

5. viewership (noun) – the number of people watching a program or event.
   Example: Online viewership for sports has grown rapidly over the last decade.

6. piracy (noun) – the illegal copying or distribution of content.
   Example: Sports leagues lose billions each year because of piracy.

7. global reach (noun) – the ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
   Example: Streaming services give smaller sports a global reach they never had before.

Exercise 2 – Article

Sports Streaming: Changing How Fans Watch the Game

For decades, sports were mostly watched on television. But in 2025, streaming platforms have become one of the most important revenue streams for global sports. Fans now expect to watch games not just on TV, but on smartphones, laptops, and even VR headsets.

Major companies like Amazon, Apple, and Netflix are competing with traditional broadcasters for broadcast rights. Exclusive deals are common, meaning fans sometimes need multiple subscriptions to watch all their favorite teams. While this creates frustration for viewers, it also generates billions in new income for leagues.

Streaming also gives sports a much bigger global reach. A basketball game in the US can be watched instantly by fans in Asia or Africa. Smaller sports, such as esports and women’s leagues, have gained new viewership thanks to online platforms.

However, the shift is not without problems. Many fans complain about rising costs, while illegal piracy remains a major issue. Still, experts believe the future of sports will be shaped by digital platforms, with interactive features, personalized highlights, and even virtual reality viewing.

Sports streaming is more than entertainment — it’s big business, and it is changing the way fans connect to the games they love.

Exercise 3 – Discussion

• How do you usually watch sports: TV, online streaming, or highlights?

• Would you pay for a subscription to watch your favorite team?

• Do you think exclusive deals are good for business but bad for fans? Why?

• Which sports in your country are most popular for streaming?

• Do you think streaming helps smaller or less famous sports gain popularity?

Exercise 4 – Further Discussion

• How could sports streaming improve in the future (e.g., VR, interactive features)?

• Do you think fans will stop watching traditional TV completely?

• Should sports leagues make all matches free to watch, or is that unrealistic?

• How can leagues fight against piracy effectively?

• In your opinion, what is the role of social media in sports broadcasting?

Exercise 5 – Writing Task

Essay Prompt:
"Sports streaming creates more opportunities for fans but also increases costs and limits access. Do you think streaming is a positive or negative change for sports? Support your opinion with examples."

Sample Essay (TOEFL Style)

I believe that sports streaming is mostly a positive change, despite some challenges.

First, streaming gives fans more flexibility. People no longer need to sit in front of a television at a fixed time. Instead, they can watch live games on their phones, or catch highlights later. This makes sports more accessible to busy fans.

Second, streaming has expanded the global reach of sports. Events that were once local now attract international viewership. For example, European soccer leagues now have millions of fans in Asia thanks to online platforms. This creates more income for teams and more opportunities for players.

However, there are disadvantages. Multiple subscriptions can become expensive, and exclusive deals mean fans sometimes cannot watch every game. Piracy also remains a problem. Still, I believe the benefits of streaming outweigh the costs.

In conclusion, sports streaming has changed the way people connect with sports. Although there are challenges, it brings innovation, accessibility, and growth to the industry.