As live sports increasingly move from traditional broadcast and cable networks to streaming platforms, fans are navigating a mixed bag of benefits and frustrations. According to Hub Entertainment Research’s latest survey, “What’s the Score: The Evolution of Sports Media”, streaming platforms are gaining traction among sports viewers, but issues like fragmentation, accessibility, and technical glitches remain significant hurdles.
The Rise of Sports Streaming
The survey reveals a growing enthusiasm for streaming sports, with 59% of respondents favoring streaming platforms over traditional network TV. Fans appreciate the convenience and accessibility offered by services like Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix. Despite this, network TV still leads the pack in perceived quality, with 24% of respondents ranking it as the best platform for sports — compared to 11% for Amazon Prime and even fewer for other platforms.
“The reputation streaming brands have built delivering scripted TV has earned them goodwill when it comes to sports,” noted Jon Giegengack, principal at Hub Entertainment Research.
Technical Challenges Persist
While enthusiasm for streaming sports is growing, technical issues continue to frustrate viewers:
- 37% of avid sports fans report experiencing frequent problems such as buffering, app crashes, and lag time.
- Despite these issues, 75% of fans encountering glitches remain optimistic about the potential of streaming platforms.
This resilience underscores the appeal of streaming but also highlights the importance of reliable service in meeting viewer expectations.
Fragmentation Frustrates Fans
One of the most prominent concerns is the fragmented landscape of sports streaming. Fans increasingly need multiple subscriptions to follow their favorite sports, creating confusion and frustration:
- 69% of avid sports fans find managing multiple streaming providers a hassle.
- 59% say it has become harder to find the sports they want to watch, up significantly from just six months ago.
These frustrations are compounded by the time-sensitive nature of live sports, where viewers must locate content quickly to avoid missing critical moments.
Balancing Traditional and Streaming Media
Network TV still benefits from its longstanding familiarity and reliability, giving it an edge in the eyes of fans. However, streaming platforms continue to grow in trust due to their success in delivering scripted television. To remain competitive, streaming services must overcome technical and accessibility barriers while offering seamless, centralized experiences.
“Fans are already wary their sports will become more confusing to find,” Giegengack added. “This will be even more frustrating with live sports because it’s critical to find and watch them immediately.”
As streaming platforms vie for dominance in the sports media space, they face a dual challenge: maintaining the trust and enthusiasm of viewers while addressing concerns about fragmentation and technical reliability. The evolution of sports media is still in its early stages, but one thing is clear — platforms that prioritize seamless user experiences and accessibility will win the loyalty of sports fans.
