Sports are a popular pastime around the world. However, for many people, it is about passion. The United States is famous for its participation in various global sporting events. These include soccer, American football, and basketball.
Soccer is by far the most widespread sport worldwide. The 2022 FIFA World Cup Final between Argentina and France amassed about 1.5 billion viewers. It became one of the most-watched sporting events in history.
In contrast, the scenario is different in the United States. The match only attracted 26 million viewers through FOX coverage. So, which sport dominates the American broadcasting space? Keep reading to know the answer.
The Importance of Sports Broadcasting in Promoting Sports in the US
What is sports broadcasting? It is the production and distribution of live or recorded sports events, news, and related content through media channels. Examples include television, online platforms, and radio. The broadcast features commentators who provide real-time analysis.
The Impact of Sports Broadcasting on the US Sports Market
Sports broadcasting solutions through various means have shaped the growth of sports in the United States. From the early days of radio to digital streaming, these channels have influenced fan engagement. Likewise, they affect revenue and cultural significance.
The United States sports rights were worth $22.42 billion in 2019, accounting for 44% of the global sports media market. In fact, 44 of the 50 most-watched TV broadcasts in the US in 2016 were live sports broadcasts. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) signed a $7.75 billion contract in 2014 to broadcast the Olympic games until 2032. It also managed the NCAA through a 2018 deal worth $8.8 billion.
Revenue Growth in US Sports Leagues
Using revenue, four of the top five professional sports leagues are in the United States. They include NBA (Basketball), NFL (American Football), MLB (Baseball), and NHL (Hockey). The NFL has the largest TV contracts. Partnership with ESPN, NBC, CBS, and FOX from 2023 to 2033 seasons earns $11 billion annually.
On the other hand, baseball earns $1.5 billion yearly from contracts with FOX, ESPN, and Turner Sports. Basketball’s annual league TV revenue is $2.66 billion, while hockey earns $625 million yearly. Thus, American Football dominates in the history of sports broadcasting.
How Broadcasting Has Increased Popularity and Accessibility
Here are the ways broadcasting has popularized sports in America:
- Broadcasting platforms have increased accessibility to millions of fans beyond local stadiums.
- Broadcasting deals generate billions of dollars for the leagues. The money is used to invest in player salaries, marketing, and infrastructure, helping the leagues grow.
- TV and streaming platforms have transformed passive viewing into interactive experiences. Fans enjoy in-depth analysis, instant replays, and live commentary.
- Emerging streaming services like Amazon Prime and ESPN+ are securing exclusive broadcasting rights, making sports more accessible on demand.
The Impact of Cultural and Media Trends
Changes in viewer habits and the rise of new platforms have influenced the popularity of various sports. The sports broadcasting technology market, evolving cultural preferences, and shifts in media consumption are also contributing factors.
Digital Streaming and the Shift in Viewer Habits
As more viewers move towards digital streaming platforms, cable TV subscriptions are declining. The NFL and other sports are also embracing streaming deals with Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, and other outlets. The 24 million viewers of the 2024 Christmas Day NFL games on Netflix reflect the shift to streaming.
Younger audiences prefer highlight reels to watching full games. Hence, platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram have become key channels. Players like Steph Curry and LeBron James generate millions of views on social media. Besides, an esports platform like Twitch attracts younger demographics.
Sports Betting, Fantasy Sports, and Deeper Fan Engagement
The rise of fantasy sports and sports betting has transformed how fans engage with games. As more people explore online betting platforms, such as those offering no deposit bonuses, they can try out new strategies without a financial commitment. For instance, Slotozilla offers no deposit bonus 100, giving users a chance to play for free and potentially win real money. This gamified experience, coupled with bonuses, encourages deeper engagement with the games and athletes fans follow. With these incentives, viewers move beyond watching games to actively participating in the excitement.
Analysis of the Popularity of Different Sports
So far, we’ve established that American football, baseball, hockey, and basketball are the most popular sports in the U.S. Explore their comparison by 2024 viewership and revenue in the table below.
| Sport | Revenue |
| NFL | $18.7 billion: 66% central revenue, 17% seating/suites, 10% team sponsorship, 2% local media, 6% parking/concession. |
| NBA | $10.9 billion: 41% central revenue, 26% seating/suites, 12% team sponsorship, 13% local media, 8% parking/concession. |
| MLB | $10.9 billion: 26% central revenue, 31% seating/suites, 11% team sponsorship, 23% local media, and 10% parking/concession. |
| NHL | $6.8 billion: 19% central revenue, 44% seating/suites, 14% team sponsorship, 12% local media, and 12% parking/concession. |
NFL Viewership and Media Revenue Trends
The central revenue for most sports consists of broadcast and media deals. In 2023, the NFL grew from 93 of the top 100 most-watched TV broadcasts. However, it slipped 2.2% in 2024, climbing down to 70. The sports averaged 17.5 million viewers across all networks, from 17.9 million. That said, the introduction of Netflix and Amazon provided a much-needed boost.
Streaming’s Impact on Sports Broadcasting
Streaming has played a key role in sports broadcasting. Instead of sport broadcast networks, many young viewers have turned to digital platforms. The first live NFL games were broadcast on Netflix last Christmas.
More than 24 million fans tuned in to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers battle with the Baltimore Ravens. Likewise, Amazon’s Thursday Night Football coverage rose to 13.2 million, jumping 11%. Together with the Black Friday game, the figure rises to 13%.
Disney recorded an average of 15 million views for all NFL games. Last year, the figure was 17.4 million, meaning the outlet suffered a 14% decline. FOX declined by 3% to 23.9 million, while NBC increased by 1% to 21.6 million viewers weekly. Its digital platforms, NBCSports.com and Peacock, saw a 38% increase, drawing 2.2 million viewers per game.
Amazon paid $1 billion to provide Thursday night games on digital. In contrast, Netflix paid $150 million to stream the Christmas games.
Predictions
Based on current trends, the NFL is likely to maintain its dominance in American sports broadcasting. The NFL is embracing digital streaming platforms and traditional broadcasting sports channels. As a result, it will continue to do well in the evolving media landscape. Nonetheless, as streaming services grow and secure broadcasting rights, other leagues may discover new opportunities to expand their audience.
The MLS is the least popular sport of the big five, attracting just over $2 billion in revenue. However, the presence of prominent figures like Lionel Messi indicates a bright future. As media trends change, we will witness a new type of engagement between fans and teams or athletes. A league’s ability to adapt to these shifts will determine its long-term success in today’s digital world.