17 Sep AP Survey: 60% of U.S. ‘Sports Superfans’ Use Streaming Platforms [Media Play News]
BY ERIK GRUENWEDEL
September 17, 2025 | Hardcore sports fans are turning to streaming platforms such as ESPN+, MLB TV, NFL Sunday Ticket, or NBA League Pass in greater numbers to watch live sports.
New data from the Associated Press (AP), based on a nationwide online and telephone poll of with 1,182 adults conducted Aug. 21-25 with the University of Chicago, found that 60% of so-called “sports superfans” use dedicated sports streaming platforms.
The demo comprises 17% of the 50% of the general public that follows sports. Another 6% of non-fans say they subscribe to these streaming platforms.
The study found that 30% of sports fans stream a game at least a few times a week and another 40% stream a game at least once a month. About 50% of superfans watch a game several times a week and another 40% watch monthly.
Among sports fans who use any television or streaming services, 50% are satisfied with the availability of sports events they want to watch, while 26% are dissatisfied, according to the report. Another 24% of sports fans are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the availability of sports on television.
The study was conducted prior to the release of Disney’s ESPN Unlimited standalone streaming platform, and Fox One, the streaming service encompassing all Fox media brands.