The number of free sports channels on FAST streaming platforms is increasing

New sports channels that unite Streaming platforms FAST (platforms that offer free content in exchange for commercial breaks) are increasing the number of viewers who watch sports through these free alternatives to paid channels or subscription platforms.

This is evidenced by the latest report from Amagi Television, which indicates that in EMEA

However, it is in the US and Canada regions that the largest growth in audience for this content has been recorded, with triple-digit growth in views and impressions between the third quarter of last year and the same period in 2024.

Moreover, according to a survey conducted by Amagi among industry leaders, a third of business owners have either already included sports in their catalog or plan to integrate it in the future. Another third indicated a desire to include live broadcasts of sporting events. What’s more: More than two-thirds indicate they are seeing a 67% increase in advertiser interest in advertising on these sports streaming channels.

Watch live sports on FAST channels around the world has grown by 150% over the past yearcompared to a 40 percent increase in viewership of sports content overall.

A way to watch sports for free

Amagi Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer Srinivasan K.A. notes that “the integration of sports content on FAST platforms represents a significant change in the streaming industry, opening up new opportunities.” Opportunities for both established leagues and niche sports find and expand your audience.

“Our latest report highlights the growing importance of sports content in the FAST ecosystem. With viewership of sports channels outpacing overall growth, it is clear that FAST is becoming an increasingly important platform for sports leagues and broadcasters as a source of distribution revenue,” explains the businessman.

It is possible that the greater specialization provided by FAST platforms, thanks to the presence of hyper-specialized channels that can be dedicated to niche sports or specific sports, helps to attract the attention of their followers, who find in them a way to follow their favorite disciplines for free and with advertising breaks. which are often shorter than those shown on traditional television.