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Premier league TV Viewership Declines in the UK Ahead of New Broadcast Deal
Ahead of a new £6.7bn broadcast agreement, television viewership for Premier League matches in the UK has decreased on both Sky Sports and TNT Sports during the 2024-25 season.
Sky Sports, which broadcast 128 live Premier League matches in the 2024-25 season, experienced a 10% drop in viewership compared to the previous season. TNT Sports, which aired 52 matches, saw a 17% decrease in audience figures year-on-year.
This decline follows two seasons of record-setting viewership in 2022-23 and 2023-24, when both the Premier League title race and relegation battles remained undecided untill the final day of the season.
this season, Liverpool clinched the title on April 27th, while ipswich Town, Southampton, and Leicester city were confirmed for relegation before the final weekend.This lack of suspense in the season’s final weeks contributed to the audience decline, with Sky reporting a more significant drop in the last six weeks.
The drop in Premier League viewership coincides with Sky’s expansion of its football coverage,notably through its English Football League (EFL) deal,which included over 1,000 live matches this season. some analysts suggest that this increased volume of live content may have diverted viewers from Premier League coverage.
Starting in the 2025-26 season, Sky will broadcast a minimum of 215 Premier League games per season, an increase of 87 fixtures. This includes all matches moved to Sundays due to European club competitions. TNT Sports will continue to air 52 games, including Saturday 12:30 kick-offs and two full midweek rounds.Amazon Prime Video will no longer be a domestic Premier League broadcaster, ending its six-year run.
Recent data from media rights holders, including Sky and DAZN, has highlighted the ongoing challenge of illegal streaming. industry leaders have described piracy as occurring on an “industrial scale”, adding pressure to rights holders facing rising costs and fragmented viewership.
Industry leaders have described piracy as occurring on an “industrial scale.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are Premier League viewing figures declining?
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Several factors contribute to the decline, including increased competition from other leagues and entertainment options, the rise of streaming services, and the ongoing challenge of illegal streaming. A lack of suspense towards the end of the season can also play a role.
- How will the new broadcast deal affect viewers?
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The new deal will see Sky Sports broadcast more matches than ever before, while TNT Sports will continue to air a significant number of games. Amazon Prime Video will no longer be a domestic broadcaster.
- What is being done to combat illegal streaming?
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Media rights holders are investing in technology and legal measures to combat illegal streaming. They are also working to raise awareness among consumers about the risks and consequences of piracy.
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