The Almighty NFL and the State of Sports Viewership (AMZN, CBS, CMCSA, DIS, FOXA, NFLX, PARA, TKO, WBD)
- Occam data shows that NFL viewership far outpaces all other leagues, likely driven by its high-profile events (happy Super Bowl weekend) and a loyal fan base.
- In contrast, NBA viewership has slightly weakened. Some speculate this is due to the NBA season overlapping with the NFL and college football, creating competition for viewers. Charles Barkley has even suggested starting the NBA season in December to boost ratings. Others point to frequent NBA player trades that may be disrupting fan loyalty and engagement.
- WNBA and NWSL data suggest a rising interest in women’s sports, while UFC, NASCAR, and MLS data suggest dedicated but more niche audience interest.
- As live sports continue to dominate viewership, streaming giants like Amazon and Netflix are investing heavily in broadcasting rights, driving up distribution costs. This trend could benefit emerging leagues like Professional Bull Riders (PBR), which is being acquired by TKO (owner of UFC and WWE), as mainstream leagues command increasingly high distribution deals.
- Occam’s real-time data insights reveal how viewership dynamics are evolving across leagues. Subscribe today to stay ahead of the curve.
