Global soccer viewership trends

European football is experiencing significant viewership growth in international markets. In the United States, Nielsen Sports data shows Premier League viewership among Americans aged 18-34 has increased by 20%. Broadcasters NBC and USA Network reported an average of approximately 500,000 viewers per Premier League match, a 3% increase from previous periods. Tottenham Hotspur has become a major draw; their August 29 match against Newcastle United surpassed one million viewers, the most-watched Premier League game in the US this season. Domestic interest is also rising, with Major League Soccer (MLS) seeing a 23% increase in interest among the 16-34 age group. Additionally, during the peak of World Cup interest in July, women accounted for 44% of the 87 million fans engaged with the sport.

In Brazil, ESPN reached 5.6 million viewers during the first five rounds of the Premier League season. The Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City on September 13 drew 1.2 million viewers, leading Pay TV audiences for the period by an average of 98% over the second-place program. Coverage of the Italian Serie A also saw growth, reaching over 2.5 million viewers, a 10% increase from last year. Digital engagement remains high, with European football content generating 481 million impressions and 334 million views between August and early October.

The English Premier League has established itself as the most internationally viewed football competition, with broadcasts reaching 189 countries. For the 2024/25 season, approximately 1.87 billion fans are exposed to at least one match via media on a weekly basis.