Sports streaming subscriptions rise as AFL memberships boom
A substantial rise in subscriptions to sports streaming services in Australia has come alongside a large increase in those who say they support an AFL team. With pandemic restrictions limiting the opportunities for Aussies to see their favourite teams in person, consumers have leveraged their broadband connections to support their clubs.
Technology insights company Telsyte has released a report that highlights the growing number of entertainment subscriptions throughout Australia in the year from June 2020. Aussies had over 42.1 million entertainment subscriptions by the end of June 2021, with that number expected to exceed 60 million by 2025.
Sports streaming subscriptions took a massive leap in the 12 months between June 2020 and June 2021, with a 48% increase over the 12-month period. Kayo Sports led the way in sports with 1.1 million active users as of June this year.
The report also highlighted an increase in Aussies willing to pay for sport, with paid sports streaming memberships making up less than 15% a year ago compared to over 50% this year.
Along with an increased interest in sports streaming services, Aussies are getting behind their favourite footy clubs with AFL support up over 1.3 million compared to a year ago.
Stats from Roy Morgan show more than 8.8 million Australians have a favourite AFL team, up from 7.5 million last year. Those numbers have translated across to paid memberships, with the AFL reporting a new record of 1.1 million Aussies becoming members of their club in 2021.
The increase in sports streaming subscriptions comes as more than 400,000 residential customers shifted to faster nbn plans in the June 2021 quarter, with increased broadband capacity enabling more reliable video streaming at higher definitions.
With teams around the country forced to play modified seasons, at times with limited or no crowds in attendance, it’s clear Aussies are still finding ways to throw their support behind their favourite clubs.
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