Sports App Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Marketplace (Google Play Store, Apple iOS Store), By Region (North America, Asia Pacific, Europe), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global sports app market size was estimated at USD 3.66 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2023 to 2030. The market can be attributed to the escalating demand for sports applications rooted in video streaming, notably observed within the United Kingdom. The high adoption of cloud-based technological solutions on a global scale is poised to furnish an impetus to market expansion. Furthermore, the rising demand for smartphone devices within Asia Pacific is instrumental in fostering market expansion. The U.S. is poised to emerge as a pivotal driver of market growth due to high demand for user-friendly digital sports platforms. The fortification of market growth is additionally facilitated by the proliferation of highly interactive software applications underpinning sports apps, characterized by their high-definition live-streaming capabilities.

However, the rising costs associated with subscription renewals for sports applications may hinder market growth. In the present landscape, industry incumbents are channeling efforts toward the integration of applications amenable to multiple access modalities. Accordingly, the market is anticipated to substantiate noteworthy advancements throughout the projected timeframe. Growing investment from ESPN company to provide instant updates about live sports matches is propelling the market growth. Rapidly growing demand for offline streaming access of past matches is further bolstering the market growth.

This tool is majorly used to provide folder browsing along with downloadable features. The growing demand for easy-to-use, quick sports apps in the U.S. is set to drive market growth. Must-have features of fantasy sports, advanced dashboards, loyalty programs, and gamification offered by the market’s key players will support its growth. The rising concern about live chatbots, GPS features, and AI-based winning prediction tools is fueling the market growth. The key players are providing a compatible analytical approach for the sports app with the help of Android & iOS-based platforms. Real-time analytics and multiple payment systems will fuel the market growth.

COVID-19 Impact on the Sports App Market

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic yielded a discernibly notable influence on the market. The far-reaching disruptions catalyzed by this global health crisis have ushered forth transformative adjustments within this domain. The implementation of lockdown measures and rigorous social distancing protocols precipitated the deferment or outright cancellation of an array of sporting events on a global scale. Thus, the requisition for apps, frequently harnessed as conduits for real-time updates, live streaming, and interactive engagement with sports-related content, encountered oscillations in demand, and the fiscal year spanning 2020 to 2021 marked a period of considerable upheaval for the worldwide sports industry.

The stringent regulatory measures enforced globally impeded the global supply chains across diverse industries. The international prohibition of sports events, coupled with the postponement of the Olympic Games, contributed to a deceleration in market expansion. Conversely, the aftermath of the pandemic yielded certain positive catalysts for the market. Specifically, the smoother facilitation of in-app purchases and inclination toward the Internet of Things (IoT)-based smartphone devices precipitated a substantial upswing for apps post-pandemic.

Marketplace Insights

Apple's iOS store segment accounted for the highest share of over 47% in 2022. This can be credited to the growing demand for highly interactive interface-based apps from the consumers of the U.S. and UK. In addition, 3D features and seamless connectivity with add-on security are fueling the market growth. The harmonious fusion of hardware and software, complemented by an intuitive user interface, has synergistically fostered an ecosystem conducive to the cultivation and extensive acceptance of sports-oriented applications. The rigorous quality oversight protocols intrinsic to the iOS App Store serve to affirm a curated and dependable array of sports apps, thereby enhancing user assurance and active participation.

The Google Play Store iOS store segment will register the highest growth rate of 12.1% during the forecast period. Open ecosystem, ease of access of in-app purchase of customizable user interface of apps, and the advanced multitasking system are fueling the segment growth. Android platform provides video editing tools for sports broadcasting. A larger number of apps available in the Play Store will raise their popularity in the coming years. The dynamic and cohesive interface inherent in the Google Play Store has significantly streamlined the creation and accessibility of sports applications. This phenomenon is amplified by the platform's extensive user base and worldwide outreach, allowing sports app developers to engage with a diverse spectrum of users, consequently cultivating heightened levels of engagement and interaction.

The Google Play Store's proactive curation methodologies and rigorous quality standards are pivotal in fostering a reliable reservoir of apps, engendering user confidence and contentment. Consequently, the marketplace has positioned itself as a preeminent hub catering to individuals in search of reputable and feature-laden applications. The other marketplace segment is expected to register constant growth during the forecast period. Rising demand for HTML-based Bada operating systems from the consumers of Asia Pacific is propelling the segment's growth. WiFi-Direct technology and Adobe Flash Lite are the prime features of the Bada operating system. Supports ActionScript 3.0, and the flexibility of the Bada platform will contribute to enhancing the market growth.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the largest share of over 36% share in 2022 due to the rising demand for the live streaming of Wrestling AEW sports from the consumers of the U.S. and Canada. The rising trend in the U.S. to adopt technologically advanced content management apps is propelling market growth. The revenue share of the U.S. is driven by the rising demand for the AI-based standalone streaming app. The ease of accessibility of sports apps with social media connectivity features will contribute to the market growth. Moreover, the rising demand for over-the-top content (OTT) streaming subscription services is anticipated to boost market growth. The region's technological prowess, coupled with a fervent sports culture, contributes to its ascendancy.

North America's advanced infrastructure, widespread smartphone adoption, and high-speed connectivity create an environment conducive to the proliferation of sports apps. This technological ecosystem, coupled with a strong affinity for sports and entertainment, positions North America as a focal point for innovation and market growth. Asia Pacific is projected to witness a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing demand for cloud-based sports apps from consumers in China and India. Moreover, there is an emerging trend in China to embrace subscription-based apps. Furthermore, the rising demand for digital payment services in China is anticipated to boost market growth. The growing adoption of regional language translation-based sports apps in India is estimated to boost the growth over the forecast period.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Companies are strategically prioritizing the provisioning of live streaming services for prominent sports leagues, encompassing marquee events, such as the UEFA Champions League, The Dan Patrick Show, The Rich Eisen Show, Europa Leagues, NBA League Pass, National Lacrosse League, and ONE Championship. Leading industry participants are channeling efforts into developing sports apps distinguished by user-friendly interfaces that facilitate seamless management. Key participants notably furnish a comprehensive repertoire of replay options and highlights for widely followed sports content.

The rising global demand for Android and Apple iOS devices is poised to present lucrative avenues for key players on the international stage. Furthermore, the imminent market landscape is poised to witness the entry of new contenders, poised to introduce their own iterations of sports apps. A pertinent illustration is Amazon's recent announcement, made in December 2022, unveiling plans to introduce an integrated App as an extension of its Prime membership offering. This multifaceted app is set to encompass a diverse range of live sporting events, subsequently streamed via the Amazon Prime video platform. Major companies operating in the global sports app market are:

• NBC Universal

• Warner Media

• PENN Entertainment

• ESPN

• Viacom18 (JioCinema)

• Sky UK

• SuperSport

• LiveScore

• beIN SPORTS

• DAZN

• Fubo TV

Sports App Market Report Scope

Global Sports App Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the sports app market report on the basis of marketplace and region:

• Marketplace Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Google Play Store

  • Apple iOS Store

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Rest of Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • Rest of Middle East & Africa