• Loading stock data...
Saturday, August 2, 2025
Tuned In returns to NYC on September 16. Hear from the biggest names in sports media. Click here to get your spot

Sports Industry Coronavirus Primer

  • 54.5% of industry executives believe that it would be at least 60 days before leagues resume play
  • Sports business insights around the impact of COVID-19 on the Olympics, esports, and sports betting
Mar 14, 2020; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of an empty Nippert Stadium following the suspension of Major League Soccer regular season due to COVID-19 concerns. FC Cincinnati was set for the home opener against D.C. United prior to the season suspension. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

In an effort to help make sense of how Coronavirus is impacting the US sports industry, we’ve put together this quick report of proprietary data from FOS reader surveys and additional research.

All FOS survey data is based on a minimum of 250 responses from industry executives. 

The wait is about to get longer…

On March 12th, the day following the NBA’s decision to suspend the season, 64.5% of our audience would have attended a sporting event the next day if they had a ticket. This should serve as an indication of how quickly things have changed in the last 2 weeks with the CDC’s recommendation against gatherings of 50 people or more through May 10th.

On March 16th, 10.4% of FOS’s audience industry executives thought U.S. sports leagues would resume play within 30 days, 68.4% that leagues would resume play in 30-60 days, and 21.1% thought that it would be at least 60 days before leagues would resume play.

On March 23rd, these numbers shifted to 2.5% of our audience thinking play would resume within 30 days, 43% thinking 30-60 days, and 54.5% thinking that it would be at least 60 days before leagues would start again.

The jump from 21.1% to 54.5% in the 60+ days segment lends insight into the timelines that industry stakeholders are discussing internally.

The FOS team has produced an insights primer including details around how COVID-19 is impacting the following areas of sports business:

  • The 2020 Olympics Games in Tokyo
  • The esports bump
  • The impact on sports betting landscape

Download the full report here.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.

Trump Signs Executive Order on College Sports Pay

The order marks Trump’s first foray into legislating college sports compensation.
Yucca and Gary Rieschel are donating $10 million to be used to bolster the USOPC’s mental health program. Syndication Westchester County Journal News

USOPC Follows Trump Order Banning Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

The change impacts governing bodies, which extend beyond Olympic competition.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani presents Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) with a traditional robe after he won the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium.

Qatar Bids to Bring Olympics to Middle East for First Time

The Gulf state may reignite debate over heat and human rights.
Princeton

Transgender Sprinter Sues Princeton Over Last-Minute Ban

The sprinter was removed 15 minutes before her race.

Featured Today

Coco Gauff at New York Liberty

How the New York Liberty Became the Hottest Ticket in Town

Once banished to the burbs, the Libs are now Brooklyn’s marquee attraction.
Las Vegas sign
July 29, 2025

College Sports Embracing Vegas After Years of Cold Shoulder

The Big Ten became the latest newcomer to Sin City.
2000, Jupiter, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Montreal Expos pitcher Hideki Irabu in action on the mound against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium during Spring Training
July 28, 2025

Dead Sports Franchises Are Alive and Well on Twitter

The Expos, Sonics, and Whalers have active social media accounts.
Limited Hype
July 27, 2025

Sneaker Reselling Was Once Easy Money. Success Is Now Complicated

Vendors need to evolve what they’re selling and how they do it.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.