• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Cord Cuts Continue

steal
Photo Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

While 2020 has not brought much in terms of live sports thus far, the amount of people who plan to watch them online is still projected to grow. Digital live sports viewership is projected to increase 14% this year. Approximately 36.5 million people – 23.7% of total U.S. sports viewers – are expected to watch digitally, up from 32 million last year.

That shift comes as consumers pivot away from cable subscriptions and instead go with OTT platforms. Last quarter, the pay TV bundle business lost 1.8 million subscribers. Most of those digital viewers – 17.1 million – are tuning in through multichannel distributors such as Sling TV, Hulu, and YouTube TV.

But as more sports return from their pandemic hiatus, more fans will also find ways to tune in illegally. A survey recently found 51% of sports fans use pirate services to watch live sports, despite 89% owning a subscription platform.

Illegal Viewers:

  • 42% who regularly use illegal streams watch sports daily.
  • 31% said not having a game broadcast locally is a motivator for illegal providers.
  • 29% have paid the piracy site.
  • 16% don’t use illegal services.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark

Dan Orlovsky’s ESPN Deal Expiring As He Explores NFL Options

The analyst’s three-year deal expires this summer, but he has “options.”

How Much Have NFL Rookie Salaries Changed in the Last 20 Years?

The increasing NFL salary cap has translated to rising rookie salaries.
NFL referees have had a tough time this season and work cut out at Super Bowl.

How Much Do NFL Refs Make?

Here’s a breakdown of what NFL refs make at football’s highest level.

Featured Today

Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
Nov 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) celebrates with running back Saquon Barkley (26) after the Eagles defeat the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium.
February 7, 2025

How the Eagles Reinvented Championship Roster Construction

Philadelphia is one of the most innovative franchises in the NFL.
February 3, 2025

‘Ultimate Throwback’: The Unimpeachable Cool of Hartford Whalers Gear

Nostalgia and street cred have driven a consistent frenzy for merch.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) and linebacker Josh Sweat (19) tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the first half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.

Super Bowl Set Viewership Record at 127.7M, Hints at Fox Streaming Future

The historic figure improves by 3% from last year’s game.
ESPN, Top Rank Boxing
February 11, 2025

ESPN Parting Ways With Top Rank Boxing After Eight Years

The boxing business has been in a state of flux for several years.
Kendrick Lamar
February 11, 2025

Kendrick Lamar’s Attack on Drake Peaks With Most-Watched Super Bowl Halftime Ever

A record 133.5 million viewers tuned in for Lamar’s performance.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Rory & Mal, The Volume
February 11, 2025

Colin Cowherd’s Volume Adds Rory & Mal Podcast in Entertainment Push

It is the second new podcast The Volume has added this year.
February 10, 2025

Super Bowl LIX Defies Trends, Sets U.S. TV Viewership Record

The Eagles’ emphatic title win makes U.S. television history.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) looks to pass the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 10, 2025

NFL’s Aggressive Flex Scheduling Expected to Reshape 2025 Lineup

Next season’s schedule could include more flexible windows.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Michael Strahan (left) and Fox Sports NFL Sunday analyst Jimmie Johnson (right) react before Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 10, 2025

Jimmy Johnson Stops Short of Retirement After Fox Sports Tribute

Fox ran a tribute to Jimmy Johnson’s career during the Super Bowl pregame.