Verizon Business Deploys 100G Optical Network for MSE

Verizon Business completes the deployment of a 100G dedicated optical ring that will serve as the broadcast and corporate network backbone for Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE).

The network supports the operations of Monumental Sports Network (MNMT), the independent regional media platform holding exclusive local rights for the Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics and Capital City Go-Go.

The optical infrastructure spans four MSE sites – Capital One Arena, MedStar Capitals Iceplex, MedStar Health Performance Center and MSE’s corporate headquarters and broadcast facility.

The connection introduces a uniform network layer designed to strengthen corporate network resiliency and streamline production workflows across locations. MSE plans to integrate the system into regular broadcast operations ahead of the 2025-26 NHL and NBA seasons.

Charlie Myers, Chief Technology Officer at MSE, says: “The foundational investment in our network will enable the innovations of tomorrow and deliver a world-class, next-generation broadcast experience for our partners and fans.

“The optical network from Verizon Business is a crucial part of our long-term strategy, enhancing our current broadcast capabilities and creating the backbone for future innovations in broadcast technology.”

Monumental Sports Network Centralises Production Workflows

The deployment of the 100G optical ring supports a network model centred on remote production capabilities. MSE’s shift aligns with an industry-wide movement in media and entertainment toward IP-based, networked production environments.

The approach enables greater agility with reduced dependence on on-site resources.

MSE connects multiple venues via a private, high-capacity network that enables content creation across sites without requiring traditional satellite or legacy transmission methods. Production teams can access and distribute live game and player footage for MNMT from any connected facility.

The network supports editing, broadcast and post-production processes across multiple sites via the high-speed optical backbone, establishing a centralised approach to content delivery.

The operational model aims to reduce technical overheads associated with maintaining multiple production setups while allowing MSE to leverage remote control rooms and shared editing resources.

It further facilitates the integration of a global production workforce through secure network access, ensuring the organisation can manage resources efficiently and scale capacity during major events or seasons.

Verizon Business and MSE Extend Network Strategy

Verizon Business integrates the optical network as part of a wider move toward software-defined, IP-enabled broadcast solutions within live sports environments.

The deployment builds on the service provider’s broader strategy to enable media entities to evolve toward cloud-based, virtualised workflows, supported by its global fibre and 5G connectivity.

“The media and entertainment landscape is undergoing a massive digital transformation, moving away from legacy capital-intensive systems to flexible, IP-based, remote work environments,” says Daniel Lawson, Senior Vice President, Global Solutions, Verizon Business.

“Through our high-capacity fibre and 5G network, Monumental Sports now has the ability to virtualise its media operations, innovate workflows and create exceptional, customised content for fans.”

Through the dedicated optical ring, MSE lays the foundation for scalable innovation in live broadcast and digital production environments.

Verizon Business’s fibre infrastructure forms the transport layer that connects broadcast facilities, production control systems and content distribution endpoints across a unified network, reducing latency and enabling near-real-time data exchange.

The project’s focus on network integration across venues supports MSE’s internal strategy to improve cost efficiency and operational flexibility.

Centralised production through networked connectivity underpins the group’s long-term broadcast and digital media roadmap, establishing a core network that evolves in step with emerging broadcast standards and IP-based content workflows.