GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Sports Streaming Industry Statistics

The sports streaming industry is experiencing rapid growth with an increasing number of viewers shifting towards online platforms for live sports content.

Highlights: Sports Streaming Industry Statistics

  • The global sports streaming market size is projected to reach USD 22.65 billion by 2026.
  • The sports streaming market is set to grow at the CAGR of 22.2% during the forecast period 2021-2026.
  • In 2020, sports streaming services grew by approximately 49%.
  • The average consumer is willing to pay up to $16 per month for unlimited sport streaming.
  • More than 40% of sports viewers would pay more for an in-person experience than for streaming.
  • The EMEA region is expected to make up nearly 30% of the total sports streaming market by 2025.
  • The NFL's Thursday Night Football streamed through Twitch averages 372,000 unique viewers per minute.
  • 26% of streaming sports viewers are modifying their traditional pay-TV services (cord-cutting) in favour of digital offerings.
  • In 2019, the APAC region accounted for more than 33% of the sports streaming market share.
  • As of 2020, the sports live-streaming services market is moderately fragmented with several market players occupying approximately 59% market share.
  • Disney's ESPN+ crossed the 10 million subscriber mark in 2020.
  • About 67% of people who stream sports on a regular basis are males.
  • According to a report, the number of people using sports streaming services is likely to hit 728 million by 2023, up from 310 million in 2018.
  • The majority of sports fans (60%) would pay more for online streaming if it meant no ads.

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The Latest Sports Streaming Industry Statistics Explained

The global sports streaming market size is projected to reach USD 22.65 billion by 2026.

The statistic suggests that the global sports streaming market is expected to experience significant growth and expansion over the coming years, with a projected market size of USD 22.65 billion by 2026. This growth is indicative of the increasing popularity and demand for sports content in the digital streaming space, fueled by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and the rise of online platforms. The forecasted market size highlights the lucrative nature of the sports streaming industry and the opportunities it presents for companies to capitalize on the growing trend of streaming sports content globally.

The sports streaming market is set to grow at the CAGR of 22.2% during the forecast period 2021-2026.

This statistic indicates that the sports streaming market is expected to experience significant growth over the forecast period of 2021-2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.2%. This suggests that the market for streaming sports content online is projected to expand rapidly, driven by factors such as increasing consumer demand for convenient access to live sports events, advancements in streaming technology, and a shift towards digital media consumption. The CAGR of 22.2% represents the average annual growth rate over the specified period, highlighting the momentum and potential for substantial market expansion in the sports streaming industry.

In 2020, sports streaming services grew by approximately 49%.

The statistic ‘In 2020, sports streaming services grew by approximately 49%’ indicates a substantial increase in the popularity and usage of streaming services dedicated to sports content over the course of the year. This growth rate of 49% suggests a rapid expansion in the number of users accessing sports-related content through online streaming platforms. The upward trend in sports streaming services points to shifting consumer preferences towards digital platforms for accessing live sports events, highlights, and other sports-related content. Factors contributing to this growth may include the increasing availability of sports streaming services, improved streaming technology, the rise of mobile viewing options, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on traditional sports viewership. Overall, this statistic underscores the significant impact of technological advancements and changing consumer behavior on the sports media industry.

The average consumer is willing to pay up to $16 per month for unlimited sport streaming.

This statistic states that, on average, consumers are willing to spend up to $16 per month for unlimited access to sport streaming services. This suggests that consumers perceive the value of such services to be worth at most $16 per month, indicating their willingness to pay for convenient and on-demand access to live and recorded sports events. The $16 threshold serves as a benchmark for pricing strategies in the sport streaming industry, as companies can use this information to set subscription fees that align with consumer preferences and maximize revenue while also meeting consumer expectations for affordability and value.

More than 40% of sports viewers would pay more for an in-person experience than for streaming.

The statistic that more than 40% of sports viewers would pay more for an in-person experience than for streaming indicates a strong preference among a significant portion of viewers for live sports events over streamed content. This suggests that the intangible benefits of attending a sports event in person, such as the atmosphere, social interaction, and overall experience, hold more value for a considerable segment of the audience compared to the convenience and accessibility offered by streaming platforms. This finding highlights the enduring appeal of the live sports experience and underscores the potential for sports organizations to capitalize on this demand by enhancing the in-person event experience and fostering connections with fans.

The EMEA region is expected to make up nearly 30% of the total sports streaming market by 2025.

This statistic implies that the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region is projected to account for approximately 30% of the entire sports streaming market by the year 2025. This suggests a significant growth and market share for the EMEA region in the context of sports streaming services, as compared to other regions globally. Factors contributing to this expectation could include increasing internet penetration, rising demand for sports content, and the availability of diverse sports events in the region. As a result, companies operating in the sports streaming industry may focus more on this region to capitalize on the growth opportunities presented by the expanding market.

The NFL’s Thursday Night Football streamed through Twitch averages 372,000 unique viewers per minute.

The statistic indicates that the NFL’s Thursday Night Football broadcast on Twitch, a popular live streaming platform, attracts an average of 372,000 unique viewers per minute. This metric reflects the number of individual viewers tuning in to watch the game in real-time through the Twitch platform. The figure highlights the significant audience engagement with the NFL’s Thursday night games on Twitch, showcasing the growing popularity of live sports streaming online. The high viewership numbers suggest that streaming platforms like Twitch are increasingly becoming important mediums for sports content consumption, providing a valuable alternative to traditional television broadcasting.

26% of streaming sports viewers are modifying their traditional pay-TV services (cord-cutting) in favour of digital offerings.

The statistic indicates that a significant proportion, specifically 26%, of individuals who consume sports content through streaming platforms are choosing to modify their conventional pay-TV services, a phenomenon known as cord-cutting, in favor of digital alternatives. This trend suggests a shift away from traditional cable or satellite TV services towards more flexible and customizable digital options for watching sports programming. Factors driving this behavior may include the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and variety of content available through streaming services, highlighting the growing preference for digital offerings in the realm of sports entertainment.

In 2019, the APAC region accounted for more than 33% of the sports streaming market share.

The statistic reveals that in 2019, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region held a substantial portion of the sports streaming market, with over 33% market share. This indicates that the APAC region has a significant presence and influence in the sports streaming industry, likely driven by factors such as a large population interested in sports, growing digital infrastructure, and increasing demand for online content consumption. The strong market positioning of APAC in sports streaming underscores the region’s importance in the global digital entertainment landscape and highlights the potential for continued growth and innovation in the industry within this region.

As of 2020, the sports live-streaming services market is moderately fragmented with several market players occupying approximately 59% market share.

The statistic indicates that the sports live-streaming services market in 2020 is characterized by moderate fragmentation, with multiple companies sharing a total market share of approximately 59%. In other words, there is no single dominant player in the market, but rather a diverse range of competitors vying for a significant portion of the market space. This level of fragmentation suggests that competition is likely intense among these players, as they each strive to differentiate themselves and attract users. Additionally, it also implies that there is room for further growth and consolidation within the market as companies seek to increase their market share and solidify their positions in the industry.

Disney’s ESPN+ crossed the 10 million subscriber mark in 2020.

The statistic ‘Disney’s ESPN+ crossed the 10 million subscriber mark in 2020’ indicates that the subscription-based streaming service owned by Disney, ESPN+, achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 10 million subscribers in the year 2020. This figure reflects the growing popularity and success of the platform among sports fans who are seeking access to live sports events, original series, documentaries, and more. Crossing the 10 million subscriber mark demonstrates the service’s ability to attract and retain a large user base, positioning it as a strong player in the competitive streaming market and solidifying its role as a key revenue driver for Disney’s media and entertainment division.

About 67% of people who stream sports on a regular basis are males.

The statistic “About 67% of people who stream sports on a regular basis are males” indicates that there is a higher representation of males among the population of individuals who engage in streaming sports content regularly. This implies that males are more likely to consume sports-related media through streaming platforms compared to females. The proportion of male viewers, at approximately 67%, suggests a significant gender disparity in this particular recreational activity. This statistic could have implications for marketing strategies, content creation, and audience engagement within the sports streaming industry, as it highlights the importance of understanding and catering to the preferences and behaviors of male viewers in this context.

According to a report, the number of people using sports streaming services is likely to hit 728 million by 2023, up from 310 million in 2018.

The statistic indicates a projected increase in the number of individuals utilizing sports streaming services, with an estimated rise from 310 million users in 2018 to 728 million users by the year 2023. This substantial growth forecast highlights the increasing popularity and demand for sports content delivered through streaming platforms. Factors contributing to this trend may include advancements in technology, the convenience and flexibility offered by streaming services, as well as a shift towards digital consumption of sports events. The significant expansion in the user base suggests a lucrative market for sports streaming providers, emphasizing the ongoing transition towards online sports consumption among worldwide audiences.

The majority of sports fans (60%) would pay more for online streaming if it meant no ads.

The statistic that the majority of sports fans (60%) would pay more for online streaming if it meant no ads indicates a strong preference among a significant portion of sports enthusiasts for ad-free viewing experiences. This suggests that for consumers who are particularly invested in sports content, the annoyance of interruptions from advertisements during streaming may outweigh the potential cost increase of ad-free services. Businesses providing online sports streaming services could leverage this information to tailor their pricing models and potentially attract more subscribers by offering ad-free options at a premium. Additionally, understanding this preference can help inform marketing strategies and content delivery decisions to better cater to the needs and preferences of sports fans in the digital streaming space.

Conclusion

The statistics surrounding the sports streaming industry offer valuable insights into the changing landscape of how audiences consume sports content. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, keeping track of key metrics and trends will be essential for staying competitive and meeting the demands of sports fans worldwide.

References

0. – https://www.www.grandviewresearch.com

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.sportico.com

3. – https://www.www.technavio.com

4. – https://www.field59.com

5. – https://www.www.sportspromedia.com

6. – https://www.www.alliedmarketresearch.com

7. – https://www.www.parksassociates.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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