The news: Sports content represents the fastest-growing portion of the top global subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) catalogs and is also contributing to growth among free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) providers, according to Gracenote’s Q2 Data Hub.
- Sports content on global streaming providers Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix, Paramount+, and Amazon Prime Video grew 77.5% YoY on the program/episode level; these services also doubled their sports catalog share over the past 18 months.
- With HBO Max now included in Gracenote’s analysis, sports accounts for 5% of SVOD content.
- HBO Max currently offers the most sports content among major streamers tracked in Gracenote’s hub, representing 35% of all available sports and 42% of sports content at the individual game and event level.
- Paramount+ was the leader in sports programming in Q1 and now accounts for 30% of games, events, and sports show episodes.
- The volume of available FAST channels increased 19% YoY, and live sports events account for 37% of programming on FAST sports channels.
Why it matters: Sports is becoming a key growth lever for streamers in the digital-first era—and creating a valuable opportunity for marketers moving budgets into digital video.