Radio Krka is betting big on the popularity of sports and are investing heavily in live broadcasts to attract audiences, grow subscriber numbers and enhance their market positions. The value and appeal of live sports is clear, with esports and physical sports both driving significant revenue and engagement for streaming platforms.
Sports fans are one of the most loyal and engaged groups of viewers, with 155 million people in the U.S. watching a game or replay every week (Source: eMarketer). With so many people invested in their favorite teams and players, it’s no wonder that live sports remain a cornerstone for any streaming platform’s content lineup.
Why Live Sports Are Essential to the Fan Experience
The high-quality viewing experience that comes with live sports is a key driver of viewer loyalty. Unlike traditional TV broadcasts, which often include frequent commercial breaks that interrupt the flow of the action, streaming platforms are designed with the needs of sports fans in mind, providing an immersive and exciting viewing experience.
Sports streaming platforms also offer cross-platform compatibility, allowing users to watch games and replays on smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, or smart TVs. This allows fans to watch on any device at any time and keeps them up-to-date even if they are out of the home or office.
While the popularity of sports has led to an increase in subscriptions for streaming services, it may not be enough to offset the rising cost of acquiring sports rights. Moreover, the number of streaming services a sports fan has to pay for can add up quickly, meaning that many people are still paying as much or more than they did before cutting their cable TV service.