• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Spotify Users Grow As Sports Content Ramps Up

  • Spotify grew its listener base by over 20 percent, while improving its ad monetization in the second quarter.
  • The company has steadily added sports content to its catalogue of audio offerings.
Spotify/Design: Alex Brooks

Spotify doubled its ad revenue from a year ago as it continues to invest heavily in sports audio.

The 15-year-old audio streaming company posted $2.75 billion in Q2 revenue, a 17% bump from the same period last year. Monthly subscribers rose 20% to 165 million, and active ad-supported users were up 24% to 210 million.

The company’s ad revenue rocketed up 110% year-over-year to $324.4 million. Ad sales increased 28% from Q1, despite only 1% growth among users with ad-supported memberships.

While it started with a heavy focus on music, Spotify has sought new users through sports content.

  • In March, Spotify made sports a centerpiece of its live audio push by acquiring Locker Room and its creator, Betty Labs. The app relaunched as “Spotify Greenroom” in June.
  • In February 2020, Spotify acquired The Ringer and its 30+ sports and culture podcasts for $196 million. 
  • Last August, Spotify and Riot Games partnered to create a hub for “League of Legends” esports podcasts.

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek would like to take his sports ties a step further. Ek, who has a net worth of $4 billion, put together a $2.83 billion bid for Arsenal FC. The offer was rebuffed by owner Stan Kroenke.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Trump Push to End Quarterly Earnings Has Major Sports Ramifications

U.S. President Trump proposes moving to semi-annual reporting for public companies.
exclusive

Ryen Russillo Leaving Ringer, Dave Portnoy Expected to Invest in New Business

Russillo has one of the world’s most popular sports podcasts.
exclusive

Layoffs Hit The Ringer, Spotify

About 15 employees lost their jobs this week.

ESPN Income Down As Subscribers Fall, but Flagship Launch Looms

ESPN shows somewhat mixed results in Disney’s latest quarterly report.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
Netflix
October 21, 2025

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.
Candace Parker
October 22, 2025

Candace Parker Wants NFL-Style Coverage From NBA Media

Amazon will stream its first NBA doubleheader Friday.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
Apr 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; A view of an NBA basketball and backyard and NBA logo before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Toronto Raptors at the American Airlines Center.
October 17, 2025

NBA Tries to Solve Fragmentation Issue It Helped Create

A new “Tap to Watch” feature will direct fans to live games.
Mar 12, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of ESPN broadcast camera during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
October 16, 2025

ESPN’s New NBA Segment Resists Hot Takes

LeBron James tweeted in favor of the new segment.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Brandon Inniss (1) attempts to make a catch over Texas Longhorns defensive back Graceson Littleton (29) in the first half at Ohio Stadium.
October 16, 2025

SEC Games Help ABC Dominate College Football Ratings at Midseason

Texas–Ohio State on Fox remains the most-watched game of the season.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
October 14, 2025

WNBA Finals Draws 1.5M Viewers, Second-Highest Series on ESPN

The four-game series averaged 1.5 million viewers.