April 4, 2025
Gracenote's report on the state of FAST channels shows that the number of sports channels has increased by more than 105% since the middle of last year, and now accounts for 13.6% of all available FAST channels. Sport is also beginning to dominate the streaming landscape in the US, where there are already 133 specialized sports platforms catering to the needs of fans with tailored content.
It is important to remember that few FAST channels or their content are exclusive to any one service or streaming platform. Content distribution on FAST channels varies widely, and some content from one channel may be available on another. SVOD content distribution is completely different and dynamic. For example, in February this year, 91.5% of the content distributed by Amazon Prime Video was available exclusively to viewers of that platform.
The same goes for the sports programs distributed on the FAST channels. For example, viewers don't have to look far to find NFL games not only on MLB Channel, NFL Channel or PGA Tour Channel, but also on Tubi, Pluto or The Roku Channel. All of these channels offer not only the most important sporting events and programs, but also highlights.
The strategies for distributing live sports content on FAST channels are, and will continue to be, more exclusive than other programming. Over the past year, these strategies have been developed with leading sports leagues, and themed channels have been created to showcase their competitions, such as a channel like FAST Roku, which will feature MLB games, Formula 1 races and original Roku sports programming.
Streaming platforms offering live sports in real time include Vix Premium Deportes, Free Live Sports and FanDuel TV Extra. As of February this year, Global Video Data had a record 118 individual FAST channels presenting major sporting events. Not all of them broadcast live competition, NFL or NHL channels broadcast game replays.
Streaming platforms offering sports content are becoming increasingly popular, often outperforming content focused on news or entertainment. Interestingly, 11% of viewers look for free ad-supported streaming options and are more likely to opt for free FIFA+, while 24% subscribe to NFL+. On the other hand, 25% of viewers choose completely free platforms such as Red Bull TV.
In the Q4 of last year, the NFL was the most popular sport (watched by up to 68% of viewers), followed by basketball (49% of viewers), football (39% of viewers) and baseball (34% of viewers). E-sports (13%) and boxing (6% of viewers) round off the list of popular sports.
Sport is becoming the frontrunner for content made available on streaming platforms or FAST channels. Broadcasters and service providers are constantly innovating and creating more attractive packages to increase availability and viewer engagement in order to attract new viewers and subscribers. It is clear that sport will continue to set the pace for entertainment and streaming services.
#SzymonKarbowski #StreamVX #Sports #GracenoteReport #FAST #SVOD
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