European sports fans are passionate and dedicated, with soccer being the most popular sport. They are more likely to engage with sports content on digital platforms, social media, and multiple screens. Technology plays a major role in their enjoyment of sports, and they are more likely to participate in sports themselves and attend live sporting events. They also have a strong interest in sports betting and digital assets like NFTs.
- Soccer is the most popular sport in Europe, with 3.5 billion fans worldwide[7].
- Football properties are the favorite in four of the eight European markets, including the UK, with 21 appearances out of a possible 40 top five spots[8].
- Young Europeans are slightly more likely to consider themselves sports fans than their North American counterparts[5].
- 88% of young Europeans have participated in some kind of sport within the last year, compared to 79% of North Americans[5].
- 61% of European sports fans say technology plays a major role in their enjoyment of their favorite teams, leagues, and events[6].
- 43% of European sports fans watch more sport on social media than on television[6].
- 46% of European sports fans would like to see a sporting event featuring virtual reality (VR)[6].
- 21% of European fans would like a VR experience as an athlete on a matchday[6].
- 40% of European sports fans are set to follow the Euros with multi-screening reaching a peak[12].
- 61% of Euros fans browse the internet and use social media while watching games[12].
- 80% of the United Arab Emirates population are soccer fans, followed by Thailand, Chile, and Portugal[15].
- Europe has 131 million soccer fans in the big five European markets (Spain, Italy, Germany, UK, and France)[15].
- European soccer leagues, such as Germany's Bundesliga, Spain's La Liga, and the English Premier League, are popular among about 20% of U.S. sports fans[3].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports online every day compared to the average sports fan[12].
- 58% of UK fans believe technology will build a more profitable and inclusive future for sport[6].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on digital platforms than traditional television[4].
- Data analytics play an essential role in strengthening loyalty among sports fans[4].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports content on social media than on television[6].
- European sports fans are more likely to attend live sporting events than North American fans[9].
- European sports fans are more likely to participate in sports themselves, driving their fandom[5].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports betting and digital assets like NFTs[16].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on streaming services[14].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports content on social media platforms[12].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on mobile devices[12].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports content on multiple screens[12].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on-demand[13].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports content on owned digital platforms[4].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on a global scale[17].
- European sports fans are more likely to engage with sports content on a community basis[12].
- European sports fans are more likely to watch sports on a regional level[11].
These facts and insights show the passion and dedication of European sports fans, as well as the growing influence of technology and digital platforms on their sports consumption habits.
