Smartphones are the most popular means of watching sport, according to Grabyo’s 2019 Sports Video Trends Report.
The survey of over 9,690 people showed that more than half of global consumers regularly watch sport, most often on smartphones (65 per cent) and laptop or desktop computers (53 per cent), followed by TV sets (40 per cent).
The report also suggested that linear sport rights acquisitions are slowing the rate of cord-cutting among sport fans, with more than half holding pay-TV subscriptions.
Grabyo CEO Gareth Capon said: “Consumer expectations have changed. Sports fans are looking at other media services available across a range of devices and platforms and see more flexibility than is available in sports. Digital distribution has grown across online platforms and social media and consumers have flocked to these platforms.
“However, in today’s media rights market, linear broadcasters dominate and sports fans have no choice if they want to watch live sport. Our data suggests that the demand is there and if an online competitor – perhaps Amazon, or YouTube – invest in a meaningful live offering, then consumers will welcome this with open arms and the shift to digital media in sport will accelerate.”
