Amagi, a leader in cloud-based SaaS technology for broadcast and connected TV (CTV), has released its 13th Amagi Global FAST Report, detailing substantial growth in sports content viewership within the free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) sector.
According to the report, global sports channel viewership on FAST grew by 150%, in contrast to an overall 40% growth in viewership. This reflects an increasing demand for sports programming on streaming platforms.
Insights on Sports Content Integration in FAST
Srinivasan KA, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Amagi, noted that incorporating sports content into FAST platforms is transforming the streaming industry, providing a way for both major and niche sports to expand their audiences. The report emphasizes the rising importance of sports content on FAST, as sports channel viewership surpasses general viewership growth, indicating FAST’s growing role as a distribution platform for sports leagues and broadcasters.
Key Findings of the Report
The report draws data from over 2,800 channels using Amagi’s ad insertion platform, THUNDERSTORM, along with input from a survey of 128 executives in streaming, broadcast, and sports. Insights cover various segments within the sports and media industries, illustrating how these entities leverage FAST to expand reach and engage audiences.
- Live Sports Growth: The hours of live sports content on FAST increased by 65%.
- Regional Trends: The U.S. and Canada led in sports viewership and impressions, accounting for 60% of global viewership, while the EMEA region saw a 4.5x increase, driven largely by new channel additions.
- Executive Priorities: Roughly one-third of executives currently feature live sports in their content strategies or plan to in the future. An additional third expressed intentions to add live sports, and 67% report increased advertising interest in live sports.
- Impact of New Channels: Channels launched within the past year contributed to about one-third of the viewership growth in FAST, which continues to attract new providers.
Upcoming Webinar on Sports Viewership
Amagi is set to host a webinar titled “The State of Sports Viewership” on October 30 at 1 p.m. ET. The event will focus on strategies for success in content distribution for sports leagues and broadcasters, along with future perspectives.
Amagi offers a suite of solutions for channel creation, distribution, and monetization, with clients that include A+E Networks UK, ABS-CBN, Astro, Cox Media Group, DAZN, Globo, Lionsgate Studios, NBCUniversal, Tastemade, and VIZIO.
About Amagi
Amagi is a global company that provides cloud-based solutions for media and entertainment. Founded in 2008, it specializes in cloud technology for broadcast TV and streaming services, offering products that enable channel creation, content distribution, and monetization. Their services are primarily focused on Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST), Connected TV (CTV), and traditional broadcast television.
News source: Amagi
