Strategic Intelligence: Media in Sport 2025

Strategic Intelligence: Media in Sport 2025

Summary

An analysis of the media in sport sector provides a detailed, et easy to follow overview of the media in sport sector, including a look at the key leaders of the media piracy in sport value chain.

The sports media market is growing rapidly

The Sports media market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the realm of media rights. According to forecasts, the global sports media rights market was projected to reach almost $60 billion by the end of 2024. This represents a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% from 2020 to 2024. The market is anticipated to continue its growth as it did before the COVID-19 pandemic, with attendance levels expected to return to pre-pandemic figures, which further enhances the value of media rights. The emergence of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, is transforming the broadcasting landscape. Traditional cable and satellite TV broadcasters have historically dominated this market, but the increasing popularity of these new platforms is driving competition and innovation. The sports media market is poised for substantial growth driven by increased viewership, the expansion of media platforms, and a focus on international audiences. However, stakeholders must remain cautious about potential challenges that could impact the sustainability of this growth.

Streaming platforms are changing the live sports experience

Video streaming has revolutionized the way sports fans consume live sport. Users are no longer confined to accessing content solely through a television or computer, they can now watch their favorite team on any internet-connected device, including smartphones and tablets.

Streaming services employ AI-powered recommendation engines that analyze user preferences to suggest programs aligned with the viewer's past interests and viewing habits. These advanced interfaces also provide versatile search capabilities for sports fans.

Traditional TV still has a big part to play in sports media

Research conducted by the Hub Entertainment Research discovered that Americans still feel traditional broadcast TV, remains the better broadcaster of live sports over any of the streaming services that are engaged in sports media.

In the UK, the ‘crown jewel’ scheme which ensures many major sporting events including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship and FA Cup Final are broadcasted on free-to-air channels, continues to play an important role in ensuring that major are readily available to a big domestic audience.

Leaders in the media in sport market

Amazon, Sky, ESPN, Fox, Apple and Warner Bros. Discovery are among the biggest media companies operating within the sport industry. All these companies are constantly under pressure to reduce content spend, retain customers, and increase profitability.

Scope

• This report provides an overview of media in sport sector, including the key leaders, a look at some of key trends, an analysis of the industry in terms of market size and growth forecasts, and also a in-depth analysis of the media in sport value chain and its key players.

• For those wanting an in-depth analysis of the media in sport sector, in the sense of both business and popularity.