• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Ryder Cup Viewership Drops in U.S., Rises in U.K.

  • NBC’s event coverage attracted 1.41 million average viewers on Saturday and 1.32 million on Sunday.
  • Sky Sports’ coverage in the United Kingdom averaged a record 785,000 viewers for the weekend — a 38 percent increase from 2021.
Team Europe captain Luke Donald and Team Europe celebrates with the Ryder Cup after beating Team USA during the final day of the 44th Ryder Cup golf competition at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Undesirable hours and poor performance from the American team led to a down year for Ryder Cup viewership in the United States.

NBC’s event coverage in Italy attracted 1.41 million average viewers on Saturday and 1.32 million viewers on Sunday — a drop from 2.12 million and 2.47 million, respectively when the event was played in France in 2018.

This time around, much of NBC Sports’ coverage was conducted in the overnight and early morning hours. It also didn’t help that the U.S. team trailed from the beginning of day one and ultimately lost the trophy by a score of 16.5 to 11.5.

However, the lopsided score may have helped viewership across the pond.

Sky Sports’ coverage in the United Kingdom averaged a record 785,000 viewers for the weekend — a 38 percent increase from the 2021 competition in Wisconsin and a 25 percent increase from 2018.

The coverage totaled 3.7 million viewers for the weekend and saw 14 percent more viewers under 35 than in 2021.

NBC Sports is paying a reported $440 million over 15 years for the U.S. rights to the Ryder Cup, or $55 million per event. When the competition comes to New York’s Bethpage Black in 2025, it will look to make a better return on investment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 13, 2024; Bolingbrook, Illinois, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Bryson DeChambeau of the Crushers GC and Brooks Koepka of the Smash GC shake hands after the first round of the LIV Golf Chicago tournament at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

DeChambeau, Koepka Hope Showdown Helps Unite LIV–PGA Tour

The golfers will compete against Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.

ESPN, ABC To Simulcast First Non-NBC Notre Dame Home Game Since 1990

The Fighting Irish will play the first game of the College Football Playoff.
exclusive

Talor Gooch Using LIV Golf Fortune to Start Building Sports Empire

The golfer has made more than $43 million individually from LIV.
Sep 28, 2024; Ile Bizard, Quebec, CAN; Max Homa of team U.S.A. putts on the first green during the foursomes (alternate) round of The Presidents Cup golf tournament.

The PGA Tour Wants More Players to Become Social Media Stars

YouTube golf is quickly gaining ground on the professional game.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

F1’s TV Ratings Similar to 2023, but Still Below the Record Highs..

The F1 season averaged 1.1 million viewers in the U.S.
December 11, 2024

Georgia-Texas SEC Showdown Tops Conference Title Game TV Ratings

Georgia-Texas drew 16.6 million viewers on ABC.
December 11, 2024

WBD Secures Comcast Deal, Readies for Future Without NBA Rights

The TNT Sports parent company continues to remake itself in dramatic fashion.
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.
Nov 15, 2024; Arlington, Texas, UNITED STATES; Mike Tyson (black gloves) fights Jake Paul (silver gloves) at AT&T Stadium.
December 10, 2024

Netflix Spectacle Made Tyson, Paul Top Trending U.S. Athletes of 2024: Google

The Yankees and Dodgers were among the top trending sports team searches in 2024.
December 10, 2024

NBA Cup TV Ratings Down 10% Through Group Play

The NBA has faced stiff competition from other sports.
December 9, 2024

Amazon Breaks NFL Streaming Record (Again) With ‘TNF’ Ratings

The “Thursday Night Football” game drew 17.29 million viewers.
December 6, 2024

NHL Winter Classic Shifts to New Year’s Eve Seeking Viewership Boost

The NHL moved its Winter Classic to December for the first time.