GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Spectator Sports Industry Statistics

The spectator sports industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually and attracts millions of viewers worldwide.

Highlights: Spectator Sports Industry Statistics

  • The global sports market had a value of around 471 billion U.S. dollars in 2018.
  • North America holds a market share of about 30% of the global sports industry.
  • Projected direct revenue of the global sports betting industry from 2001 to 2021 is 218.49 billion U.S. dollars.
  • The NFL made approximately 15.26 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2019.
  • The MLB reported a revenue of approximately 10.37 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.
  • BVB Dortmund is the highest-earning football club from spectator revenues, with 44.7 million euros in 2018.
  • Around 73% of sports fans prefer to watch games from home.
  • In 2019, the total revenue of spectator sports in the US was approximately 40 billion U.S. dollars.
  • The NHL generated a revenue of around 4.43 billion U.S. dollars in the 2019/2020 season.
  • In 2019, streaming of sports and eSports generated 16.5 billion yuan in China.
  • The audience for eSports, a major part of spectator sports, will reach 495 million worldwide in 2020.
  • The global gross merchandising value of professional sports was 95 billion U.S dollars in 2020.
  • By 2021, the global sales of licensed sports merchandise are expected to reach 48 billion U.S. dollars.
  • Sports tourism, a major contributor to the sports industry, is expected to reach $7.68 billion by 2021.
  • Over 30% of all tourism spending in the US is sports-related.
  • The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 is expected to generate around $6.7 billion revenues from broadcasting rights globally.
  • In 2019, the total revenue of spectator sports, event promoters, and related services in Canada was approximately 9 billion Canadian dollars.
  • About 41% of adults in the US attended a live sports event in the past year in 2019.

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The Latest Spectator Sports Industry Statistics Explained

The global sports market had a value of around 471 billion U.S. dollars in 2018.

The statistic that the global sports market had a value of around 471 billion U.S. dollars in 2018 indicates the total economic activity generated by the sports industry worldwide during that year. This value includes revenues from various sources such as ticket sales, sponsorship deals, media rights, merchandise sales, and licensing agreements among others. The magnitude of this market value underscores the significant role that sports play in the global economy, with various stakeholders including sports teams, athletes, media companies, and sponsors all contributing to the industry’s overall financial impact. The growth and size of the sports market highlight its importance not just as a form of entertainment but also as a major economic sector with vast opportunities for investment and revenue generation.

North America holds a market share of about 30% of the global sports industry.

The statistic that North America holds a market share of about 30% of the global sports industry implies that a significant portion of the overall sports market is captured by businesses, organizations, and events within North America. This indicates that North America plays a dominant role in the sports industry worldwide, reflecting the region’s strong presence in areas such as professional sports leagues, sports media, sports technology, and sports apparel. The statistic suggests that North America is a key player in shaping trends, setting standards, and driving revenues within the global sports market, highlighting the region’s influence and impact on the industry as a whole.

Projected direct revenue of the global sports betting industry from 2001 to 2021 is 218.49 billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic stating that the projected direct revenue of the global sports betting industry from 2001 to 2021 is 218.49 billion U.S. dollars indicates the estimated total revenue generated specifically from sports betting activities worldwide over the span of two decades. This figure reflects the significant and growing financial impact of the sports betting industry on the global economy, showing a clear trend of increasing revenue generation over the years. The data provides insights into the lucrative nature of the sports betting market and serves as a key indicator of the industry’s economic importance and growth trajectory during the specified timeframe.

The NFL made approximately 15.26 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2019.

The statistic that the NFL made approximately 15.26 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2019 indicates the total amount of money generated by the National Football League throughout that year. This figure encompasses various sources of income for the league, such as broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and licensing agreements. The significant revenue generated by the NFL underscores the league’s popularity and economic impact, reflecting the substantial financial success of one of the most prominent professional sports organizations in the United States. This statistic is crucial for understanding the scale of the NFL’s economic operations and overall influence within the sports industry.

The MLB reported a revenue of approximately 10.37 billion U.S. dollars in 2020.

The statistic indicates that Major League Baseball (MLB) generated a total revenue of around 10.37 billion U.S. dollars in the year 2020, reflecting the financial performance of the league during that period. This revenue figure encompasses income from various sources such as broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandise, sponsorships, and licensing agreements. The reported revenue serves as a key indicator of the economic health and overall success of the MLB as a business entity. It also showcases the significant financial impact of the league within the sports industry and the broader economy.

BVB Dortmund is the highest-earning football club from spectator revenues, with 44.7 million euros in 2018.

The statistic indicates that BVB Dortmund generated the highest amount of revenue from spectators in 2018 compared to other football clubs, totaling 44.7 million euros. Spectator revenues refer to the income generated from ticket sales, stadium attendance, season tickets, hospitality packages, and other related sources. This metric is significant for football clubs as it represents a major source of income that directly reflects fan engagement and support. BVB Dortmund’s high spectator revenue suggests a strong fan base, successful match attendance, and effective marketing strategies, all of which contribute to the club’s overall financial success and stability.

Around 73% of sports fans prefer to watch games from home.

The statistic that around 73% of sports fans prefer to watch games from home indicates that a large majority of sports enthusiasts have a preference for enjoying sporting events in the comfort of their own homes rather than attending games in person. This statistic suggests that factors such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to personalize the viewing experience play significant roles in shaping fan behavior. Additionally, it highlights the importance of broadcasting technology and platforms in catering to the needs and preferences of sports fans, reflecting a shift towards more home-based entertainment experiences in the modern era.

In 2019, the total revenue of spectator sports in the US was approximately 40 billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic reveals that the spectator sports industry in the United States generated around $40 billion in revenue in 2019. This figure encompasses the total earnings from various sports events, ticket sales, broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, and other related sources within the industry. The statistic serves as a key indicator of the economic significance and popularity of spectator sports in the US, highlighting the substantial financial impact it has on both the sports industry and the broader economy. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of sports as a cultural and entertainment phenomenon that attracts significant investments and consumer spending, contributing to overall economic growth.

The NHL generated a revenue of around 4.43 billion U.S. dollars in the 2019/2020 season.

The statistic “The NHL generated a revenue of around 4.43 billion U.S. dollars in the 2019/2020 season” indicates the total amount of money earned by the National Hockey League during that specific period. Revenue in this context represents the total income generated from various sources such as broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, ticket sales, sponsorships, and more. This figure is essential for evaluating the financial health and performance of the NHL as a business entity. It also reflects the popularity and economic impact of the sport of hockey, showcasing the significant financial scale of professional ice hockey in North America.

In 2019, streaming of sports and eSports generated 16.5 billion yuan in China.

In 2019, streaming of sports and eSports in China generated a total revenue of 16.5 billion yuan. This statistic suggests a growing trend in the popularity and consumption of sports and eSports content through online streaming platforms in China. The substantial revenue generated underscores the significant market potential and lucrative opportunities in the streaming industry within the sports and eSports sectors. This statistic indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards digital platforms for accessing sports and eSports content, presenting a promising prospect for continued growth and investment in the streaming market in China.

The audience for eSports, a major part of spectator sports, will reach 495 million worldwide in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the audience for eSports, which is a significant component of spectator sports, is projected to grow to 495 million individuals worldwide by the year 2020. This figure highlights the substantial and increasing popularity of eSports as a form of entertainment and competitive activity. The rising interest in eSports can be attributed to factors such as the accessibility of online gaming platforms, the proliferation of live streaming services, and the growth of international eSports competitions. The statistic suggests that eSports has transformed from a niche interest to a mainstream form of entertainment with a massive global audience, positioning it as a key player in the sports and entertainment industry.

The global gross merchandising value of professional sports was 95 billion U.S dollars in 2020.

The statistic indicating that the global gross merchandising value of professional sports reached 95 billion U.S dollars in 2020 represents the total financial worth of merchandise related to professional sports worldwide during that year. This value reflects the economic significance and widespread popularity of professional sports as a lucrative industry encompassing various sectors such as team merchandise, sponsorships, licensing deals, and ticket sales. The growth in global merchandising value underscores the continued demand for sports-related products and experiences among consumers and highlights the substantial financial impact that professional sports have on the global economy.

By 2021, the global sales of licensed sports merchandise are expected to reach 48 billion U.S. dollars.

The statistic suggests that the global market for licensed sports merchandise is projected to experience significant growth, with sales expected to reach 48 billion U.S. dollars by 2021. This indicates a strong demand for officially licensed sports products among consumers worldwide. The growth in this market is likely driven by factors such as increasing popularity of sports, rising disposable incomes, and expansion of online retail channels. The projected sales figure highlights the lucrative nature of the licensed sports merchandise industry and presents opportunities for businesses operating in this sector to capitalize on the growing market demand.

Sports tourism, a major contributor to the sports industry, is expected to reach $7.68 billion by 2021.

The statistic indicates that sports tourism is projected to have a significant economic impact on the sports industry, with the total revenue expected to reach $7.68 billion by the year 2021. This suggests a growing trend in the willingness of individuals to travel for sports-related activities, such as attending sporting events, participating in sports tournaments, or visiting sports-related tourist destinations. The increasing popularity of sports tourism can have multiple benefits, including boosting local economies, stimulating infrastructure development, and promoting international exchanges through sports-related activities. This statistic highlights the potential for continued growth and opportunities within the sports tourism sector in the coming years.

Over 30% of all tourism spending in the US is sports-related.

The statistic ‘Over 30% of all tourism spending in the US is sports-related’ indicates that a significant portion of the money spent by tourists in the United States is allocated towards activities and events related to sports. This suggests that sporting events, attractions, and activities play a substantial role in driving tourism and boosting the economy in the US. The statistic not only highlights the popularity and importance of sports as a tourism driver but also underlines the significant economic impact that sports-related activities have on the US travel industry. This information can be valuable for policymakers, businesses, and organizations in understanding the trends and preferences of tourists and in strategizing ways to further capitalize on the sports tourism sector.

The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 is expected to generate around $6.7 billion revenues from broadcasting rights globally.

The statistic that the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 is expected to generate around $6.7 billion in revenue from broadcasting rights globally signifies the substantial economic impact of the event on an international scale. This revenue figure highlights the significant commercial interest and demand for broadcasting rights for one of the world’s largest sporting events. The broadcasting rights revenue not only reflects the popularity and viewership of the Olympics but also serves as a crucial source of income for the organizers and stakeholders involved in hosting the games. The statistic underlines the financial significance of the Olympics as a global sporting event and underscores the importance of media partnerships and broadcasting deals in maximizing revenue generation opportunities.

In 2019, the total revenue of spectator sports, event promoters, and related services in Canada was approximately 9 billion Canadian dollars.

The statistic “In 2019, the total revenue of spectator sports, event promoters, and related services in Canada was approximately 9 billion Canadian dollars” indicates the collective financial magnitude of the spectator sports industry within the country during that year. This figure encompasses the earnings generated by a variety of entities involved in organizing and promoting sports events, such as sports leagues, event organizers, and related service providers. The substantial amount of 9 billion Canadian dollars emphasizes the economic importance and scale of the spectator sports sector in Canada, showcasing its significance as a major contributor to the overall economy and highlighting the widespread interest and engagement of Canadians in sports-related activities and events.

About 41% of adults in the US attended a live sports event in the past year in 2019.

The statistic stating that about 41% of adults in the United States attended a live sports event in the past year in 2019 reflects the substantial popularity and prevalence of live sports attendance in the country. This figure suggests that a significant portion of the adult population actively engages in attending live sporting events, showcasing the strong appeal and cultural significance of sports in American society. Such high participation rates in attending sports events also highlight the economic importance of the sports industry, with millions of individuals contributing to ticket sales, merchandise purchases, and overall revenue generation for sports teams and venues across the country.

Conclusion

The statistics surrounding the spectator sports industry provide valuable insights into the trends and dynamics shaping this multi-billion dollar sector. By analyzing attendance figures, viewership numbers, and revenue streams, stakeholders can make informed decisions to drive growth and enhance the fan experience. As the industry continues to evolve with advancements in technology and changing consumer preferences, staying informed and leveraging data will be key to success.

References

0. – https://www.www.ustravel.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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