By Peter Guest, FootballPredictions.NET, 15:11 15/03/2024
Updated at: 12:47 25/03/2024
The live streaming of football has revolutionised the way fans around the world engage with the sport, significantly increasing its global viewership and accessibility. The transition from traditional broadcast models to digital streaming platforms has opened up new avenues for fans to follow their favourite teams and leagues from anywhere in the world, with just an internet connection.
One of the key drivers behind this shift has been the growing preference among sports fans for online streaming platforms over traditional pay-TV broadcasters. A study conducted by Grabyo revealed that 79% of sports fans worldwide would opt to watch live events exclusively on streaming platforms if given the choice.
This preference is supported by the flexibility in pricing and greater accessibility offered by streaming services, which have become increasingly attractive to a global audience.
Rapid Take-Up
The impact of streaming on sports viewership is underscored by the fact that live sports programming generates a significant portion of linear TV revenue, despite sports viewing on linear TV making up only a small percentage of total viewership in some regions. In the United States, for example, live-streaming sports coverage increased from 48% to 86% over a six-year period, highlighting the rapid adoption of streaming services for sports content.
Furthermore, major sports leagues and events are transitioning to streaming platforms, signalling a significant shift in how sports content is distributed and consumed. The NFL's Thursday Night Football, for example, became exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, with MLS matches now exclusively available on a new streaming service within the Apple TV app. This trend towards exclusive streaming rights deals reflects the changing dynamics of sports broadcasting and the growing importance of digital platforms in reaching a wider audience.
BBO: The way of the Future
Broadband-only (BBO) households, which rely solely on high-speed internet connections for TV programming, are particularly engaged with sports content on streaming platforms. In the top 56 U.S. local markets, BBO households are 36% more likely to watch sports events than the average TV household, indicating a strong preference for digital content consumption among these viewers.
The rise of live streaming has not only expanded the reach of football but also enhanced the viewing experience with features like multi-angle views, in-depth analysis, and interactive elements that engage fans in new and exciting ways. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the popularity of live streaming for football and other sports is expected to grow, further cementing its role in transforming the global sports broadcasting ecosystem.