What is the recommended practice when multiple scrum teams are in play?

The recommended practice when multiple scrum teams are involved is to have one product owner support one team. This approach ensures that the team has a clear and singular vision of the product, which is crucial for maintaining focus and prioritizing the backlog effectively. A dedicated product owner for each team helps to streamline communication and decision-making, as the product owner can devote their attention to understanding the specific needs and challenges of the team they support. This close relationship fosters a better understanding of the product and allows for quicker adjustments to the backlog as feedback and insights are gathered from the team.

When teams share a product owner, it may lead to conflicting priorities and diluted attention, resulting in potential delays or unmet needs for the various teams. Additionally, assigning multiple product owners could create confusion regarding ownership of the product's vision and priorities among the teams. Having a dedicated product owner allows for quicker and clearer prioritization, consistency in vision, and a more cohesive approach to product development. This structure supports each team's autonomy while still aligning with the overall product roadmap.