Ana Hernandez, Senior Iteration Manager on Agile planning for peak performance

When it comes to delivering world-class streaming experiences for some of the biggest events in Australia, the 9Now team relies on a proven agile planning approach. From the Paris Olympics to the NRL Grand Final, the Melbourne Cup, and the State of Origin series, we’ve developed a robust strategy that ensures seamless coverage under high-pressure conditions. 

Agile in action: Preparing for the unexpected

Adaptability is crucial when managing live sports and major events. Our process begins with thorough leadership planning across all platforms—Core Services, Connected TV, Mobile Apps, Radio, and Web. The Delivery team plays a key role in aligning the teams on the scope and complexity of upcoming initiatives by hosting kick-off sessions that include high-level estimation workshops and breaking down the work. This enables us to provide realistic forecasts and resource allocations, ensuring we’re equipped to handle anything—from last-minute schedule changes to unexpected technical challenges.

Prioritising what matters most

Prioritisation is a cornerstone of our agile methodology. With limited time and resources, it’s essential to focus on the features and fixes that will significantly impact our viewers’ experience. Whether enhancing the reliability and resiliency of live streams, introducing new features, or increasing the number of channels, our team is laser-focused on delivering what matters most.

Risk management is another critical aspect of our preparation process. Before the Paris Olympics, for instance, we conducted rigorous testing and contingency planning to address potential issues such as peak traffic loads and stream interruptions. This proactive approach minimises the risk of disruptions and empowers our team to respond quickly and effectively if challenges arise.

Staying aligned and agile

During these high-demand periods, maintaining alignment and focus across 10 different teams is crucial—each with its own tech stack and complexities. Agile ceremonies like Scrum of Scrums, daily stand-ups, refinement sessions, retrospectives, and team showcases help us stay coordinated and responsive to changing requirements. This collaborative environment ensures all teams stay in sync, enabling us to swiftly address platform demands and technical challenges, all while maintaining a seamless experience for our viewers.

Looking ahead: Winter Olympics 2026

Though the Winter Olympics will not begin until February 2026, we’re already deep into preparation using agile planning and strategic road mapping. Having gathered key findings and valuable learnings from the Paris Olympics, we’re now focused on applying those insights to elevate the next event. From refining advanced interactive features to expanding platform accessibility, we’re committed to delivering an even better viewer experience for the future.

I thrive on the challenges that come with supporting Australia’s most beloved sporting events. The team’s commitment to agile excellence ensures that we’re not only meeting but exceeding expectations—bringing the thrill of live events to millions of Australians. 

Written by Ana Hernandez