The Rise of Premier League Viewing
The growth of soccer is something we’ve been hearing about since the mid 1990s. Major League Soccer may not have the top tier quality of European leagues just yet, but the quality of play has certainly been on the rise, particularly in the last few seasons. Older stars such as Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and of course David Beckham have given the MLS a touch of precision it has been lacking. When seeing what these players can do in the MLS, many fans have seemingly sought out higher levels of competition, namely the English Premier League.
Back at the midway point of the EPL season, NBC — who owns broadcasting rights here in the United States — released viewership numbers and they showed an uptick from last season. NBC claimed a 15% jump in TV views and an encouraging 36% increase in streamed games via PC, mobile and tablets. Corroborating the continued rise in soccer’s popularity is the latest Global Web Index report, showing an bump up across the board in EPL watching.
Of the sample of about 40,000 users across 32 different countries, 28% claimed they watched the EPL on television. Another 16% reported streaming the games through their connected devices rather than the traditional TV route.
Unsurprisingly the 16-24 and 25-34 age demographics lead the online viewership numbers, with 19% and 22% respectively streaming their games
Given the time zone differences — a Tottenham fan in San Jose, CA is faced with a seven hour difference or a Bayern fan in NYC still has a five hour difference — it remains a difficult reality for the European leagues to grow here. While some people, myself included, are more than happy to wake up early to watch games, eventually we may reach a point where the casually interested fans are not willing to sacrifice sleep for their soccer fix. Until we reach that point, the rising popularity of soccer, especially the EPL, is a welcome sight.
(Header image via Ungry Young Man)
You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.
but soccer sux tho. football, baseball, and basketball – those are better.
Having kids (and needing to get up early in the morning even on weekends) has made soccer a perfect sport for me to follow. I love that I can watch every single Arsenal EPL match with NBC’s Extra Time.
You may want to note that those time differences are correct right now, but for 90% of the year, they will be an hour larger. Right now we are on DST and England/Germany are not, but for most of the year, they will be eight and six hours off, respectively.
I’ve found that soccer perfectly fits the gap when baseball isn’t on. The time isn’t ideal — and this is from a maniac who woke up at 4 am multiple times for this year’s Asian Cup — but the play is usually worth it.
Good point on the time zones, too.
DVR makes whether it’s a 5 hour or 8 hour time difference almost irrelevant, just shut off your phone until you’ve watched the game Saturday morning ding dongs.
I must admit the best thing about being a Sheffield Wednesday fan on the west coast is when i wake up they’ve already lost, meaning i skip the stress of watching it happen. Up the Owls!
Agreed, DVR and VOD has made time zone issues less difficulty, but I’d find cutting myself off from twitter even more difficult.
Don’t worry, my Hoops will be joining you in the Championship soon enough.
Premier League? Is that the game where they bounce balls off their heads?