Learfield and SportsBug™ Launch Real-Time, No-Delay Play-by-Play with the University of Oregon
May 8, 2025
Ducks Fans Can Now Stream Learfield Broadcasts in Real Time Using SportsBug’s Revolutionary Technology Starting August 30
Dallas, TX — Learfield, the leading media and technology company in college athletics, has partnered with SportsBug to introduce a first-of-its-kind, no-delay play-by-play radio streaming experience for fans watching live sports in stadiums and arenas.
The University of Oregon will serve as the launch partner for this groundbreaking initiative. Beginning August 30 with the Ducks football season opener, fans attending home games will be able to stream Learfield’s radio broadcasts in real time — with less than one second of delay — using the Varsity Network App or through local radio affiliates.
In addition to football, this real-time experience will extend to Learfield’s home broadcasts of Men’s and Women’s Basketballand Baseball throughout the year.
“We are excited to launch this partnership with SportsBug. At Oregon we take pride in providing the best fan experience both in the stadium and on the airwaves. This is a great way to bring it all together for Duck fans.”, said Kelly Schukart, Vice-President/General Manager Oregon Sports Properties.
Unlike traditional streaming, which can lag live action by 30 seconds to over a minute, SportsBug’s proprietary technology leverages 4G and 5G networks to deliver audio in under a second. Fans can now experience every play, as it happens, while watching the game live — without the frustrating delay of standard streaming.
“This partnership is launching at the perfect place,” said Chuck Bortnick, Chief Operating Officer of SportsBug. “The University of Oregon has one of the most passionate fanbases in the country. With Learfield’s comprehensive coverage across multiple sports, Oregon fans will now get the added bonus of listening to their favorite play-by-play broadcast teams — with no delay.”
This revolutionary, game-changing broadcast is free to fans. Download the Varsity Network App and enjoy home games with live commentary that matches what you see on the field or court.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
About SportsBug
SportsBug’s mission is to revolutionize the live sports experience by providing real-time, in-venue audio broadcasts that seamlessly connect fans to the action. SportsBug’s innovative technology leverages cutting-edge 4G and 5G networks to deliver instant, lag-free, no-delay play-by-play commentary directly to fans’ smartphones, ensuring they never miss a moment of the game, utilizing the existing play-by-play broadcasts. Traditional live audio play-by-play broadcasts often reach fans in stadiums and arenas with significant delays—sometimes exceeding two minutes. SportsBug technology delivers these same broadcasts to fans with virtually no delay, transmitting the action in under one second.
Kara Zoellner
Learfield PR Manager
770-799-3275
Chuck Bortnick
SportsBug COO
203-770-2416
Learfield and SportsBug™ Announce Strategic Alliance
Apr 3, 2025
No-Delay, Real-Time Play-by-Play Audio Broadcasts will be made available to College Sports Fans While Watching Live Sports in Stadiums & Arenas
Learfield, leading media and technology company powering college athletics, engaging with 107+ million fans, will partner up with SportsBug and their innovative technology to deliver play-by-play radio streaming broadcasts in real-time with no delay to fans watching live sports in stadiums and arenas.
In conjunction with Learfield’s Varsity Network App and its local radio partners, SportsBug will provide a seamless user experience for fans to hear their favorite radio play-by-play announcers, while at the venue with no delay.
This fan engagement and sponsor benefit will be provided at no cost to the fans. All they need to do is download the free Varsity Network app and then listen to the game on the app when watching in the stadium or arena. Typical play-by-play streaming audio is delayed from around 30 seconds to over a minute and a half.
For example, in just 30 seconds:
- A defense can force a fumble, recover the ball, and return it for a touchdown, completely flipping the momentum of the game.
- A college basketball team can run a full offensive set, reset after an offensive rebound, and nail a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
- A leadoff hitter can draw a walk, steal second base, and advance to third on a wild pitch, putting immediate pressure on the defense.
Now, using any mobile device from any carrier, fans will hear Learfield’s broadcasts with a delay of under one second, eliminating the frustrating delay that makes it very difficult to watch live sports in the venue and listen to play-by-play.
“College sports fans have a deep connection with their local play-by-play broadcasters, and this partnership with SportsBug allows us to deliver that familiar voice directly to their ears, with no delay, while they’re in the stands. We’re thrilled to provide this seamless experience in conjunction with our local radio partners, ensuring that fans can feel even more immersed in the game as it happens,” said Chris Ferris, Learfield’s Senior Vice President for Broadcast.
“SportsBug ™ is thrilled to be working with Learfield to bring our technology to college sports fans throughout the country. As a result, fans can now have a reason to listen to radio play-by-play streaming while attending live sports. It is a win for the fans, schools, and sponsors. SportsBug looks forward to working with Learfield and its school partners on this game–changing opportunity for radio play-by-play streaming broadcasts,” said Chuck Bortnick, SportsBug’s Chief Operating Officer.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
About SportsBug ™
SportsBug’s mission is to revolutionize the live sports experience by providing real-time, in-venue audio broadcasts that seamlessly connect fans to the action. SportsBug’s innovative technology leverages cutting-edge 4G and 5G networks to deliver instant, lag-free, no-delay play-by-play commentary directly to fans’ smartphones, ensuring they never miss a moment of the game, utilizing the existing play-by-play broadcasts. Traditional live audio play-by-play broadcasts often reach fans in stadiums and arenas with significant delays—sometimes exceeding two minutes. SportsBug technology delivers these same broadcasts to fans with virtually no delay, transmitting the action in under one second.
Kara Zoellner
Learfield PR Manager
770-799-3275
kara.zoellner@learfield.com
Chuck Bortnick
SportsBug COO
1-203-770-2416
chuck@sportsbug.com
