< Back to reports

Sport goes direct-to-fans: Leagues and broadcasters enter new era of partnerships

27 September 2023
Access report

Sports clubs, leagues and federations are accelerating investment in their direct-to-consumer strategies, developing next-generation apps and streaming services.

Objectives include gathering first-party fan data, diversifying revenue streams, and extending reach in growing markets and among younger audiences.

New league streaming apps supplement broadcaster coverage in core markets and enable new partnership arrangements with incumbent pay-TV operators and online video marketplaces.

Related reports

Football rights tracker: Will tech platforms save the leagues?

20 April 2023

The total value of European football media rights has stagnated since the end of the last decade, translating into a real terms decline.

New entrants like DAZN and Amazon have occupied the space left open by incumbents such as Sky and Canal+.

Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Premier League will tender rights this year, entertaining unrealistic expectations of bids from Apple.

Access report

Reaching sports audiences: all platforms necessary

6 March 2020

Free-to-air broadcasters, pay-TV operators and OTT services all have a role to play in serving sports audiences.

DTC services will enable sports organisations to engage with and learn about fans.

The industry needs to continue adapting to younger generations’ viewing preferences, particularly if it is to have a chance of combatting piracy.

Access report

  • Football rights tracker: Will tech platforms save the leagues?

    20 April 2023

    The total value of European football media rights has stagnated since the end of the last decade, translating into a real terms decline.

    New entrants like DAZN and Amazon have occupied the space left open by incumbents such as Sky and Canal+.

    Serie A, Ligue 1 and the Premier League will tender rights this year, entertaining unrealistic expectations of bids from Apple.

    Access report

  • Reaching sports audiences: all platforms necessary

    6 March 2020

    Free-to-air broadcasters, pay-TV operators and OTT services all have a role to play in serving sports audiences.

    DTC services will enable sports organisations to engage with and learn about fans.

    The industry needs to continue adapting to younger generations’ viewing preferences, particularly if it is to have a chance of combatting piracy.

    Access report