Streaming has become the dominant form of video delivery, but live sports are still a major draw. They boost engagement and attract new subscribers. They also drive significant ad revenue and merchandise sales. This article explores why live sports have become such a key asset to streaming platforms and what the future holds for this genre.Website
The Value of Live Sports
While linear pay-TV still maintains current rights to many popular sports, the tide has definitely shifted as emerging digital platforms continue to acquire more of these live TV and sports media rights. These rights deals are a clear indication of how comfortable viewers have become with accessing sports content without the need for traditional cable and broadcast television.
This shift is driving significant changes to sports viewing habits. eMarketer predicts that in 2025, more than 25 percent of Americans will watch live sports on a streaming service rather than on traditional television. This is a big deal for both sports teams and streaming services as it represents an opportunity to reach more consumers, especially the younger demographic.
Additionally, live sports events generate high viewer engagement and a loyal fanbase that is more than willing to pay for the privilege of watching their team play or the event as it unfolds. This is a significant reason why platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime invest in sporting events and are able to offer them at affordable prices. These ad-supported offerings help them achieve high subscriber growth and attract new audiences. In addition, esports (sports competitions using video games) have also begun to make an impact in the industry.