The latest season of the Premier League saw a significant 10% drop in viewership on Sky Sports, raising questions about the factors influencing this decline. The lack of suspense in both the title race and relegation battles is believed to be a primary contributor.

Key Statistics

• Sky Sports broadcasted 128 games, experiencing a 10% reduction in viewership.
• TNT Sports, which aired 52 matches, saw a 17% year-on-year decrease.

Factors Behind the Decline

1. Early Title Race Conclusion: Liverpool secured the title on April 27, diminishing interest in the remaining fixtures.
2. Relegation Narrative: The relegation of Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Leicester City lacked the dramatic tension seen in previous seasons.
3. Increased Broadcasting Options: Sky's new EFL deal, offering over 1,000 games per season, may have diverted attention from Premier League matches.

Future Outlook

Next season, the Premier League will introduce a new domestic broadcast deal worth £6.7 billion, increasing the number of live matches on Sky Sports to at least 215. TNT Sports will continue to broadcast 52 games, including the Saturday 12:30 kick-offs and two midweek rounds. However, Amazon Prime will not cover any matches for the first time in six years.

Piracy Concerns

A recent report highlighted the 'industrial scale' piracy of live sports, including football, which is causing financial strain on broadcasters like Sky and DAZN. The rising cost of broadcasting rights has led to higher subscription prices for fans, especially those subscribing to multiple services to follow their favorite teams.

Historical Context

Despite the recent drop, Sky Sports achieved a record peak audience of 1.85 million viewers during Rory McIlroy's win at the Masters in April, accounting for 37% of total TV viewership.

Conclusion

As the Premier League evolves, broadcasters must adapt to changing viewer habits and the challenges posed by piracy and increased competition. The upcoming season will be a critical test for Sky Sports and other broadcasters to regain and retain viewer interest.