Growth in Sports Media Rights

Sports media rights market forecast to reach $78 billion by 2030

The global sports media rights market remains one of the most valuable parts of the media industry. Ampere Analysis forecasts that spending on TV and streaming rights will exceed $78 billion by 2030, around 20% above its 2025 level. This steady growth is expected to be driven mainly by the United States and increasing competition for live sport.

Steady rather than explosive growth

Ampere Analysis forecasts growth of around 20% over five years, taking the value of TV and streaming sports rights to $78 billion in 2030. The 20% figure refers to total growth from 2025, not annual growth. It implies a starting market value of approximately $65 billion and an average annual growth rate of 3–4%.

The US leads growth and competitive bidding

The United States is expected to be the main source of growth, with major contracts coming up for renewal as competition for premium content intensifies. Commentary on Ampere’s forecast highlights the influence of US rights packages on the global market. Competition among international streaming platforms is making live sport a strategic asset, rather than simply another item in the schedule.

In practice, this means that the market increasingly resembles a bidding war for a limited pool of the most attractive rights that can simultaneously build reach, subscriber retention and advertising revenue.

The US could account for almost half of global spending

Ampere forecasts that the United States will account for almost half of the global market in 2030. The forecast includes the new NBA agreements that began in 2025 and the upcoming MLB television package. US sports media rights alone are expected to reach approximately $36 billion in 2030.

The NFL continues to set the benchmark

The NFL has the greatest influence on the US market. Its 11-year, $110 billion agreement began in 2023 and covers five broadcasters and platforms: NBC/Peacock, Fox, CBS/Paramount+, ABC/ESPN and Amazon Prime Video. Although the agreement runs until 2034, the NFL has indicated that the rights are undervalued and is considering exercising its renegotiation option within the next two years. Even at record prices, upward pressure may continue.

Europe: growth despite bidding pressure

Europe is also expected to grow. Spending by broadcasters and streaming services is forecast to rise from $18.3 billion in 2025 to $21.3 billion in 2030. Ampere notes that recent bidding rounds have put some prices under pressure, but valuations may rise again as global players compete more aggressively and rights to the football World Cup and Winter Olympics become increasingly important.

Asia: growth driven by India and OTT platforms

In Asia, spending on sports rights is forecast to rise from $7.2 billion in 2025 to $9.9 billion in 2030. Indian cricket and related tournaments remain important drivers, attracting both traditional broadcasters and OTT platforms. Live sport is increasingly central to platform strategy, particularly where large audiences support both subscription and advertising revenue.

How to interpret the forecast

Ampere’s figures are forecasts, not historical results. Actual spending will depend on bidding outcomes, economic conditions, league and platform strategies, and exchange rates. The figures refer specifically to media rights purchased by broadcasters and streaming services, rather than total sports revenue or advertising expenditure.

Outlook

The sports media rights market is entering another period of steady growth. US contract renewal cycles remain the biggest driver, supported by growing international competition among streaming services for live sport. Premium rights are becoming increasingly strategic, with prices shaped by intense competition between bidders.

Sources:

Ampere Analysis | Insight - Global sports rights media spend set to exceed $78bn in 2030
Global sports media rights spend to surpass US$78bn in 2030 - SportsPro
Ampere: Sports Rights Outpacing U.S. TV Revenues Fivefold | TV Tech
Paramount Wins European Rights to Soccer's Champions League in $11.5 Billion Auction - WSJ