What’s the most exciting thing you’ve watched live this year? Maybe it was a nail-biting game-winning goal, a finish-line sprint that had everyone on edge, or a historic sports moment that had people talking around the world.
From Super Bowl LVIII to the Paris Olympics, 2024 brought countless moments that fans couldn’t wait to stream. But some events truly stood out. As viewership stats reveal, certain games and matches captured more screens—and hearts—than ever. With sports streaming at an all-time high, fans tuned in globally, from home, on the go, and even behind a VPN to catch every key moment.
Our report digs into the data to show which sporting events dominated the global stage. From massive viewer numbers to viral social moments, these were the games and matchups that no one wanted to miss in 2024.
Ready to stream every unforgettable moment?
Whether you’re reliving the greatest sports events of 2024 or gearing up for the next thrilling showdown, ExpressVPN keeps you connected and secure. Stream live sports seamlessly from anywhere, anytime.
Jump to…
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
October
November and beyond…
January 2024: Sports fans flock to soccer and tennis streams
AFC Asian Cup
The AFC Asian Cup 2024, held in Qatar, brought record-breaking viewership. With exclusive streaming rights in the UK and Ireland, TrillerTV (formerly FITE) streamed all 51 matches both live and on-demand. This gave fans full access to every game.
In the Middle East and North Africa, beIN Sports saw cumulative viewership soar to 707.3 million for the tournament. The final match between Jordan and Qatar drew an incredible 69 million viewers, making it the most-watched game of the entire tournament.
“The final match between Jordan and Qatar drew a record-breaking 69 million viewers.”
A global reach like never before
The tournament aired in more than 160 territories through partnerships with 60 media networks and over 120 channels. This wide reach pushed cumulative TV ratings up by 14% from the 2019 edition. The excitement was especially high in Vietnam, where TV ratings during the group stage shot up by 84%, with over 200 million people tuning in.
For fans in the U.S., CBS’s streaming platform, Paramount+, covered every match, ensuring American audiences didn’t miss out on the action.
Interest in the AFC Asian Cup wasn’t only on TV screens—it took over search engines, too. January searches peaked at 823,000 as the tournament kicked off, and the excitement continued strong into February with 550,000 monthly searches as fans followed every match and moment to the final.
The highest search interest came from host country Qatar, followed by Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Bahrain. These countries have strong followings for regional tournaments, and the AFC Asian Cup is one of the biggest events of the year, drawing in fans eager to follow every moment.
African Cup of Nations
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), hosted in Côte d’Ivoire, reached an incredible milestone, drawing in a cumulative global audience of over 1.4 billion viewers. That’s right—across all matches, AFCON 2024 captured the attention of audiences worldwide, marking one of the most-watched editions yet.
“AFCON 2024 captivated 1.4 billion viewers globally.”
Some matches went above and beyond in viewership. The semi-final face-off between Nigeria and South Africa alone drew in a unique audience of 10.3 million viewers, setting a new viewership record for the tournament.
Social media frenzy and digital engagement
AFCON was also a hot topic on social media. The tournament saw 2.1 billion digital engagements, with 3.1 billion views on TikTok videos and an impressive 12.5 million views on Instagram.
The tournament’s reach was amplified by a major broadcast expansion, with 65% more television partners than ever before. Major networks like BBC, beIN Sports, Canal+, Sky Sports, and New World TV came on board, contributing to a 65% boost in sponsorship revenue and a 35% hike in TV revenue. SuperSport became a go-to streaming platform for many, covering 70% of the broadcast hours and reaching a unique audience of 3.7 million viewers.
AFCON fever spread well beyond Côte d’Ivoire, driving over 4 million searches in January and 2.2 million in February as fans tracked each game. The tournament drew particularly intense interest from Liberia, South Sudan, Gambia, Namibia, and Uganda—countries where soccer is woven into national pride and community spirit.
Australian Open
The 2024 Australian Open captivated a global audience, drawing 558 million unique viewers—a remarkable 57% increase from the previous year. With cumulative viewership reaching over 2.17 billion, the tournament saw a 24% boost overall. A new Sunday start schedule also paid off, pushing viewership for Round 1 up by 42% over the first three days compared to previous years.
“This year’s Australian Open reached 558 million unique viewers, with a cumulative viewership of 2.17 billion.”
Extensive broadcast coverage and digital reach
Coverage of the Australian Open expanded in 2024, with over 118,000 broadcast hours produced worldwide—a 6.52% rise from the previous year and equivalent to more than 13 years of nonstop coverage. In China, viewership doubled to 189 million hours watched, with particular excitement around the women’s final between Qinwen Zheng and Aryna Sabalenka, which averaged 8.2 million viewers. In the U.S., the tournament also saw a strong fanbase, with Coco Gauff’s quarterfinal match becoming the third most-watched live sporting event that day.
Streaming platforms also played a larger role, with a 60% increase in streaming audience share over the five-year average. Warner Bros. Discovery’s European streaming platforms saw unique viewership rise 30%, while Eurosport channels experienced a 24% growth in viewership across Europe.
Social media buzz
Social media also saw a huge uptick in engagement, with mentions rising by 1,108% to over 1.5 million during the event. Fans worldwide turned to digital platforms to follow highlights, and discussions, and share tournament moments in real-time.
Interest in the Australian Open dominated search engines, too. January saw searches peak at 13.6 million as the tournament unfolded, with interest levels tapering to 110,000 in February after the event concluded. The highest search interest came from host country Australia, followed by Spain, New Zealand, North Macedonia, and Italy—countries with strong tennis followings.
February 2024: Super Bowl draws record-breaking viewership
Super Bowl LVIII
Super Bowl LVIII, held on February 11, 2024, set a new benchmark in U.S. television history, becoming the most-watched program of all time. Across all platforms, the game attracted an average of 123.7 million viewers, surpassing last year’s record of 115.1 million.
“The Super Bowl drew 123 million viewers, setting a new U.S. viewership record”
CBS, the primary broadcaster, delivered the game to an average audience of 120.3 million, marking the largest single-network telecast ever. Spanish-language audiences also turned out in record numbers, with Univision reaching an additional 2.3 million viewers, making it the most-watched Super Bowl on a Spanish-language network. A kid-friendly simulcast on Nickelodeon added to the game’s broad appeal, drawing 1.2 million viewers across Nickelodeon and Nick-at-Nite.
Streaming milestones
Paramount+, CBS’s streaming platform, set new records, making Super Bowl LVIII the most-streamed Super Bowl in history. The game was also widely available through NFL’s digital platforms, including NFL+, expanding its digital reach and giving fans more ways to tune in.
The game’s popularity also extended beyond the U.S., with Canadian viewership reaching a record 10 million across TSN, CTV, and RDS. This strong international showing underscored the Super Bowl’s broad appeal beyond American borders.
Search interest for Super Bowl LVIII was sky-high, climbing from 6.1 million in January to a massive 45.5 million in February. The top regions searching for the game were the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, reflecting the game’s impact across North America and its resonance with fans across diverse regions.
March 2024: Basketball takes center court
NCAA March Madness
The 2024 NCAA March Madness brought in record-breaking numbers, reaffirming its place as a highlight of the sports calendar. The men’s tournament averaged 9.86 million viewers per game, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. But the standout moment came from the women’s championship. South Carolina’s clash with Iowa drew 18.87 million viewers, eclipsing the men’s final (14.8 million) for the first time and signaling a growing appetite for women’s basketball.
“For the first time, the NCAA Women’s Final surpassed the Men’s with 18.9 million viewers.”
Streaming extends the madness
CBS Sports and Turner Sports delivered comprehensive streaming coverage through platforms like CBS All Access and the March Madness Live app, giving fans every reason to stay connected. ESPN’s digital platforms carried the women’s tournament, boosting its reach and showing strong demand for streaming options.
On top of this, fans flocked to social media, driving millions of interactions across X, Facebook, and Instagram. Game highlights, reactions, and unforgettable plays kept the conversation alive far beyond the court, amplifying the tournament’s impact.
Online searches for the term March Madness peaked at 1.83 million in March, staying strong into April. The U.S. led in search interest, but fans from Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines also showed their love for the tournament, underscoring its wide-reaching appeal.
April 2024: Golf dominates sports streams
Masters Tournament
The 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club showcased shifting trends in viewership. CBS’s coverage of the final round averaged 9.59 million viewers in the United States—a 20% drop from the previous year, marking one of the lowest finals audiences since 1993. However, interest remained significant through digital platforms. ESPN+ offered extensive live coverage, featuring highlighted groups and keyholes that kept fans engaged. The Masters’ official app and website added to the digital experience, offering live streams, scoring updates, and highlights for a comprehensive view of every round.
“The Masters’ final round attracted 9.59 million viewers, while digital engagement surged.”
Social media and digital reach
Social media platforms buzzed with activity during the tournament. Fans turned to X and Instagram for real-time updates, player highlights, and spirited conversations, extending the reach of the Masters beyond television screens. The tournament’s social media team effectively utilized TikTok, with posts between March and April garnering over 1 million engagements.
April saw search interest in the Masters peak at 246,000, driven heavily by U.S. viewers drawn to one of golf’s most iconic tournaments. But the appeal didn’t stop there. In New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, and Puerto Rico, fans tuned in to follow their favorite players and soak in Augusta’s legendary atmosphere. For these regions, the Masters represents both tradition and a chance to see homegrown talent compete on one of golf’s biggest stages.
May 2024: High-octane thrills
FA Cup Final
The 2024 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium delivered a clash to remember, with Manchester United defeating Manchester City 2-1 to secure their 13th FA Cup title. In the UK, the match was broadcast live on both BBC and ITV, providing free-to-air access that ensured broad viewership. While final viewership figures weren’t disclosed, the build-up to the final highlighted strong interest. For example, the quarter-final between Manchester United and Liverpool reached a peak audience of 8.6 million viewers—the highest for an FA Cup quarter-final since 2018.
“The Manchester United vs. Liverpool quarter-final reached 8.6 million viewers, a peak since 2018.”
International reach and accessibility
The FA Cup’s appeal extends far beyond the UK. Internationally, the final was available through various broadcasters, bringing the action to fans around the world. U.S. audiences could stream the match live on ESPN+, while Dutch viewers watched via Ziggo Sport. This broad international coverage underscores the global appeal of the FA Cup, drawing millions of viewers across different regions and platforms.
Search interest in the FA Cup Final peaked at 368,000 in May, with notable interest coming from the UK, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Ireland, and Kenya. For many fans in these regions, the FA Cup remains one of the most highly anticipated football events, a blend of storied tradition and modern competition that captures global attention.
Monaco Grand Prix
The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix once again delivered the drama and glamor that make it a centerpiece of the Formula 1 season. As one of the most-watched races on the F1 calendar, the event captivated fans worldwide with its mix of high stakes, tight corners, and breathtaking views. In the U.S., the race broke records, becoming the most-viewed European Formula 1 event ever—a clear sign of F1’s surging popularity stateside, boosted in part by the growing Drive to Survive fanbase.
“The 2024 Monaco Grand Prix became the most-watched European Formula 1 race in U.S. history.”
Streaming and broadcast reach
UK viewers stayed glued to their screens with comprehensive coverage on Sky Sports F1, while Formula 1’s own streaming service, F1 TV Pro, enhanced the experience for fans in select regions through exclusive content and onboard camera views. This mix of traditional broadcasts and streaming options continues to evolve, pulling in a global audience eager to follow every twist and turn.
In May, searches for the Monaco Grand Prix reached 550,000, driven by interest from fans in France, Ireland, Luxembourg, the UK, and Australia. For many, the race represents more than just competition—it’s an annual spectacle where sport, prestige, and history collide.
June 2024: Soccer fever goes global
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League is no stranger to commanding global attention, and the 2023/24 season proved why. Across all stages, the tournament captivated billions, offering unforgettable moments, thrilling matchups, and the kind of drama that leaves fans breathless. By the time the final took place at London’s Wembley Stadium in June, the cumulative global audience had surged, with over 450 million viewers tuning in for the season’s grand finale—a fitting culmination for Europe’s premier club competition.
A season of high-stakes matches
From intense group stage battles featuring clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich to knockout clashes that raised pulses, the Champions League never disappoints. As the stakes rose, so did the viewership, with quarter-final and semi-final games drawing audiences in the tens of millions. Digital engagement mirrored this excitement, as CBS and Paramount+ in the U.S. reported record-breaking streaming numbers throughout the season, underlining the growing shift towards online viewing.
“The Champions League final drew in over 450 million global viewers.”
Global reach and digital domination
Social media activity was also off the charts, with content surrounding key matches generating approximately 3.3 billion interactions. Fans took to platforms to share reactions, debate pivotal moments, and keep the spirit of competition alive long after the final whistle. Regional interest remained strong across Europe, while American viewership continued to climb, with English- and Spanish-language broadcasts averaging 3.62 million viewers per game.
Search interest for the Champions League peaked at 2.7 million in April, driven by the intensity of the knockout rounds. The tournament’s popularity extends beyond Europe, with countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, and Uganda showing significant engagement.
This strong following is fueled by the visibility of African players in top European clubs and the widespread broadcasting of matches, making the Champions League a compelling showcase of elite soccer that resonates deeply with fans across these regions.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup brought cricket fans a month of unforgettable moments from June 4 to June 30, co-hosted by the United States and the West Indies. With a global audience of 2.6 billion viewers, it became a defining chapter in cricket’s storied history. South Asia’s deep-rooted passion for cricket, combined with the novelty of U.S.-based matches, contributed to the event’s widespread appeal and record-breaking numbers.
“The T20 World Cup reached 2.6 billion viewers, setting a new digital engagement record.”
Digital engagement and streaming breakthroughs
The tournament’s digital presence was just as impressive, setting a record as the most digitally engaged ICC event ever. Fans generated an astonishing 16.9 billion video views, marking a 158% leap from 2022’s edition in Australia. For millions, the pinnacle came with the final between India and South Africa. Disney+ Hotstar recorded a peak concurrent viewership of nearly 53 million, cementing its place in cricket streaming history.
Interest surged online too. Search volume for the T20 World Cup peaked at 3.3 million in June, reflecting the global anticipation and buzz around key matches. Cricket fever resonated strongly in Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada—regions known for their ardent fan bases and enduring connection to the sport.
Euro 2024
The UEFA Euro 2024 tournament, hosted in Germany from June 14 to July 14, reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s premier football events. With a cumulative global audience of over 5 billion viewers, the tournament united fans across continents, delivering unforgettable matches and moments that showcased Europe’s finest talent on the pitch.
The climactic final saw England face off against Spain, drawing a peak audience of 24.2 million viewers across BBC and ITV in the UK alone, with an average of 22.3 million captivated throughout the match. The drama, skill, and stakes of this showdown reflected everything fans love about the Euros, making it one of the year’s most-watched sporting moments.
“Euro 2024 united over 5 billion viewers worldwide.”
Unprecedented stadium attendance
Fans didn’t just tune in from home. Across ten stadiums in Germany, approximately 2.67 million spectators filled the stands over 51 matches, shattering the previous record of 2.43 million attendees set at Euro 2016 in France. This remarkable turnout highlighted the enduring pull of live football and Germany’s reputation as a top-tier host for major tournaments.
Interest in Euro 2024 also dominated online searches, peaking at 30.4 million during the tournament. Germany naturally led the way, with fans from Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and even as far afield as Vietnam eagerly following every goal, upset, and victory.
Copa America
The 2024 Copa América, hosted in the United States from June 20 to July 14, marked a new era of international appeal and record-breaking viewership. Fans from around the world tuned in to witness the continent’s top footballing nations battle it out, with historic ratings and digital engagement driving home the tournament’s popularity.
In Brazil, Copa América viewership surged to 84.6 million, an 82% jump from the 2021 edition, showcasing the enduring passion for football in the nation. Argentina’s journey to the final captured an incredible 58.98% of TV viewers, with a semifinal match against Canada drawing nearly identical ratings to their 2022 World Cup final. Colombia also saw impressive numbers, with peak viewership for their final match reaching a 28.4-point rating, up 30% from 2021.
“Brazil’s Copa América viewership surged by 82%, reaching 84.6 million.”
The U.S. audience played a pivotal role in boosting the tournament’s reach. A group-stage showdown between the United States and Uruguay attracted 3.78 million viewers on FS1, making it the most-watched non-World Cup soccer match in FS1 history. Overall, Copa América viewership in the U.S. averaged 1.1 million viewers—a remarkable leap from the 216,000 average in 2021.
Digital and streaming impact
Copa América’s digital footprint expanded significantly. Venezuela’s Televen Stream emerged as a key platform, amassing 43 million impressions and over 1.3 million app installations, setting national streaming records. Across the Atlantic, Premier Sports delivered full coverage in the UK, providing both live broadcasts and streaming options to engage fans.
Search interest peaked in July with 24.9 million queries, underscoring the tournament’s widespread appeal. Uruguay, Guatemala, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador stood out with intense engagement—countries where football carries deep cultural significance and the Copa América remains a cherished spectacle, drawing fans eager to follow their teams every step of the way.
July 2024: France in the spotlight
Wimbledon
Wimbledon 2024 delivered another unforgettable fortnight of tennis, captivating nearly 2 billion viewers across more than 200 countries. The tournament’s digital footprint also expanded like never before. Video views across social media platforms surged to 918 million—a 60% jump from last year—while finals weekend drew 4.5 million unique visitors to wimbledon.com and the official mobile apps. Fans spent a staggering 7.3 million hours engaging with Wimbledon’s digital content throughout the tournament, proving how the event continues to evolve with viewer habits.
“Wimbledon 2024 attracted 2 billion viewers, with social media views up 60%.”
Broadcast highlights: UK and U.S. viewership trends
The BBC’s coverage of the men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic attracted 7.6 million television viewers, with an additional 3.3 million streaming the match online. While this marked a decline compared to 2023’s peak of 11.3 million TV viewers, interest in the finals remained strong. Across the Atlantic, ESPN’s broadcast of the men’s final averaged 2.21 million viewers, a 31% drop from last year’s five-set battle between the same competitors. Interestingly, the women’s singles final experienced a 40% uptick in U.S. viewership, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for women’s tennis.
Search volume for Wimbledon peaked at 11.1 million in July, driven by fans eager to follow every serve and rally. Interest was especially strong in Italy, the UK, Ireland, Spain, and Australia—nations with rich tennis traditions and a deep-seated passion for the Championships.
Tour de France
The 2024 Tour de France, spanning June 29 to July 21, once again proved why it’s one of the world’s most-watched sporting events, attracting a staggering 3.5 billion global viewers. From the grueling mountain climbs to the thrilling sprints through picturesque towns, fans around the globe couldn’t turn away from the spectacle.
It wasn’t just TV screens capturing the action. The Tour’s digital presence reached new heights, with millions of fans engaging through live streams, social media posts, and the official website. Platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram saw a 20% surge in interactions, as fans liked, shared, and commented their way through each stage.
“The Tour de France captivated 3.5 billion global viewers with a 20% surge in social interactions.”
Global and regional highlights
For viewers in France, the Tour remains a national treasure, pulling in an average of 4 million daily viewers and cementing its cultural legacy. Across the Channel, UK audiences stayed glued to ITV’s coverage, while Australia’s cycling enthusiasts streamed the action on SBS, racking up over 5 million views. In the U.S., NBC Sports kept a dedicated fan base engaged with extensive coverage across live broadcasts and digital platforms.
Interest in the Tour de France peaked at 1 million searches in July, led by Denmark, France, Belgium, Slovenia, and Luxembourg. In these regions, the Tour is a showcase of national heroes and a celebration of cycling’s deep cultural roots.
Paris 2024 Summer Olympics
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics took the world by storm, capturing over 3 billion unique viewers across both traditional broadcasts and digital platforms. This impressive increase from previous editions proves the enduring allure of the Games and their place as a global cultural phenomenon.
And, while television retained its pull, digital platforms reshaped how fans experienced the Games. NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, shattered records, with over 17 billion minutes streamed—a figure that eclipses all previous Olympics combined. This shift speaks volumes about the growing appetite for on-demand, online viewing, and Paris 2024 delivered it in style.
“The Paris Olympics reached 3 billion viewers, with Peacock streaming 17 billion minutes.”
In Europe, Warner Bros. Discovery engaged over 215 million viewers, a 23% jump compared to Tokyo 2020. Their platforms, Discovery+ and Max, clocked in more than 7 billion minutes of streamed content, sparking record sign-ups and solidifying streaming’s influence.
The social conversation was also electric, with Olympic channels amassing 8.5 billion engagements during just the first week. That’s a 40% surge from the entire Tokyo 2020 Games, reflecting how fans everywhere couldn’t get enough of every viral clip, medal celebration, and record-breaking moment.
Regional highlights show the reach
In the U.S., NBCUniversal’s coverage attracted a massive total audience of 30.6 million viewers, marking an impressive 82% increase over Tokyo. Peacock users alone streamed 23.5 billion minutes, making it the go-to spot for U.S. fans. Across the Atlantic, the UK’s BBC doubled its Tokyo online streams with a record-breaking 218 million plays, while in host country France, the opening ceremony alone was watched by 23.4 million people on France Télévisions, capturing more than 83% of viewers.
This year’s Games also pushed the boundaries of sports broadcasting. From 8K resolution and virtual reality experiences that put fans right into the action to AI-driven personalized viewing, the Paris Olympics redefined what it means to watch the Games.
Search interest for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics reached 20.4 million between July and August, driven by nations like New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, Singapore, and Jamaica. In New Zealand and Australia, strong traditions in swimming and athletics fueled excitement, while Ireland’s focus centered on boxing and track stars. Singapore’s growing ambitions on the world stage and Jamaica’s legendary status in sprinting kept fans passionately engaged.
August 2024: The Premier League surged in popularity
US Open
The 2024 US Open gripped tennis fans worldwide, breaking attendance records and showcasing unforgettable moments on the court. Over three weeks, the tournament welcomed more than 1 million fans for the first time in its history, with 1,048,669 spectators enjoying the action at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The main draw alone drew 832,640 attendees, marking an all-time high and highlighting the tournament’s growing appeal.
ESPN’s comprehensive live coverage kept U.S. audiences tuned in, while international broadcasts ensured fans around the globe had access to every serve and volley. Digital engagement soared as US Open Radio, presented by American Express, delivered live play-by-play coverage, enhancing the fan experience with immersive content.
“The US Open welcomed over 1 million spectators for the first time in history.”
Unforgettable finals
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner claimed the men’s singles title, outlasting 12th-seeded American Taylor Fritz in a gripping finale. On the women’s side, World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula, closing the tournament with high drama and exceptional skill.
August and September saw search interest peak at 13.6 million as fans from Italy, Australia, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. eagerly followed the competition. Italy’s passion was fueled by Sinner’s rise to victory, while Australia and Ireland continued their strong tennis traditions. Canadian and U.S. audiences maintained intense interest, reflecting their enduring love for one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Paralympic Games
The 2024 Paralympic Games brought inclusive sports to the global stage like never before, with all 22 sports broadcast live and accessible across a multitude of platforms. More than 225 media rights holders, from traditional broadcasters to web streamers and digital channels, made sure fans everywhere could tune in, solidifying the event’s global impact.
Global coverage and accessibility
In the U.S., NBCUniversal’s coverage reached a record-breaking 15.4 million total viewers across platforms like NBC, Peacock, USA Network, CNBC, and Telemundo. This marked a significant rise in engagement compared to Tokyo 2020, as primetime coverage averaged 1.2 million viewers—a 31% boost. Streaming numbers skyrocketed too, with 207 million total minutes streamed, making these Paralympics the most-streamed edition in U.S. history.
“The 2024 Paralympic Games reached a record-breaking 4.1 billion cumulative viewers.”
In the UK, Channel 4’s coverage captivated 18.5 million viewers, representing over 30% of the British TV audience. The network saw record-high engagement among younger viewers, even surpassing figures from London 2012. Streaming activity doubled compared to Tokyo 2020, driven by interactive content on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, demonstrating a strong connection with digital-savvy fans.
France’s enthusiasm as the host nation was palpable. The Opening Ceremony alone attracted more than 22 million viewers, peaking at 10.2 million, and daily coverage consistently drew around 20 million viewers. The French public embraced their role as hosts with unparalleled support and engagement.
The Games’ reach extended well beyond traditional broadcasts. Innovative digital partnerships with YouTube and TikTok brought live streams and dynamic short-form content to younger audiences, fueling record-breaking global engagement. Together with digital campaigns, these efforts contributed to a combined cumulative audience surpassing 4.1 billion from Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016.
Search interest peaked at 11.1 million queries in August, with high engagement from Uzbekistan, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and India. In Uzbekistan, emerging Paralympic talent sparked curiosity and national pride. The UK and Australia continued their strong support of adaptive sports, while New Zealand celebrated its athletes’ performances. India’s rising presence in the Paralympic arena further fueled engagement, reflecting growing admiration for the event’s athletic and societal impact.
English Premier League
The 2023/24 English Premier League (EPL) season kicked off in August and will keep fans enthralled until May 2025. As always, the EPL remains the gold standard for global football viewership and engagement, with fans across continents following every goal, save, and controversial decision.
Record-breaking viewership and digital dominance
In the UK, Sky Sports saw a surge in popularity, with a 40% increase in viewers for the opening weekend compared to last year. More than 8 million fans tuned in to watch five live matches, showcasing the league’s unparalleled influence in its home country. Across the Atlantic, NBC Sports shattered previous records with an average of 546,000 viewers per match window—its highest yet, showcasing the league’s growing hold in the U.S. Meanwhile, India’s love affair with the EPL continues, with millions of dedicated viewers tuning in, reflecting the league’s ever-expanding reach in South Asia.
“The EPL’s opening weekend saw a 40% spike in UK viewership.”
The digital space has been just as lively. NBC’s Peacock set new benchmarks when the Chelsea vs. Liverpool clash became the most-streamed EPL match in U.S. history, drawing 1.85 million average viewers. The EPL’s massive social media following also speaks volumes, with fans interacting with content on X, Instagram, and Facebook, cementing the league’s status as a digital powerhouse.
Passion in the stands and revenue growth
Stadiums across the league have continued to pull in massive crowds, with an average of 43,748 fans attending each match during the 2024/25 season. A total of 524,603 fans have already passed through the gates over 97 matches, proving the enduring magic of live football.
Search interest for the EPL peaked at 13.6 million in December last year and has remained consistently strong throughout the year, averaging 7.5 million. Uganda, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Malawi are among the countries driving this interest, highlighting how deeply embedded the EPL is within their sports culture. For many fans, the league’s star African players represent national pride on a global stage, while extensive broadcasting coverage ensures matches are accessible and part of everyday life.
Stream the Premier League securely with ExpressVPN
As the official Digital Privacy Partner of Tottenham Hotspur, ExpressVPN ensures you can stream every exhilarating moment of the English Premier League with privacy and freedom, no matter where you are. Here’s how to catch all the action securely:
- Download ExpressVPN and connect to the server of your choice.
- Choose your preferred streaming service.
- Enjoy the game securely with ExpressVPN’s encrypted connection.
October: Women’s cricket smashed records
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, hosted in the UAE from October 3 to October 20, took women’s cricket to a new level. Across all matches, over 91,000 fans filled the stands—a 30% jump from the previous edition in South Africa. The final showdown between New Zealand and South Africa at Dubai International Stadium drew 21,457 spectators, a 68% increase from last year’s final. Even during the group stage, the clash between India and Pakistan attracted a record 15,935 attendees, the highest ever for a Women’s T20 World Cup group game. This growing interest underscored the tournament’s magnetic appeal.
“Women’s T20 World Cup shattered digital records with 700 million video views.”
Coverage also spanned nearly 160 territories, with TrillerTV delivering live and on-demand action in the UK and Ireland. But the real standout was digital engagement—over 700 million video views shattered all previous records for ICC women’s events. Compared to the 100 million views from the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup, this growth speaks volumes about how far the game has come.
Regional highlights
The Middle East and North Africa showed massive interest, with beIN Sports reporting a cumulative viewership of 707.3 million, and the final alone drawing 69 million viewers. In the U.S., fans caught every moment via CBS’s Paramount+, proving that cricket’s reach knows no boundaries.
Online, interest peaked at 246,000 searches in October, with cricket-heavy nations like Sri Lanka, the UAE, India, Nepal, and Trinidad & Tobago leading the pack.
Baseball World Series
This year’s clash between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees pulled in over 30 million viewers globally, making it the most-watched series since 2017. In the U.S., FOX’s broadcasts hit an average of 15.8 million viewers, marking a 67% jump from last year. Younger fans played a huge role in the spike, with viewership among the 18-34 age group surging by 101%. Clearly, the next generation is bringing fresh energy to America’s pastime.
“The Dodgers-Yankees World Series drew 30 million global viewers, the highest since 2017.”
Japan’s passion for the game
With Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the spotlight, Japanese fans tuned in like never before. The series averaged 12.1 million viewers in Japan, with Game 2 hitting a record 15.9 million—an all-time high for an MLB postseason game in the country.
The World Series also took over social media. Engagements skyrocketed by 176%, with video views soaring 209% compared to 2023. The opening day alone saw 14.3 million interactions and 160.1 million video views—the busiest day ever for MLB’s social presence. Streaming figures told the same story. Fox Sports saw record digital viewership, with an average minute audience of 368,808 tuning in on their platforms.
Merchandise frenzy
The Dodgers’ championship win also had fans showing their loyalty with record merchandise sales, which saw a 24% rise compared to their 2020 victory. Japan’s fans came through strong, ranking as the second-highest market for sales, just behind the U.S., proving how deeply the series resonated worldwide.
Interest in the World Series was in search engines, too. October saw a peak of 5 million queries, driven by fans from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. For these regions, the series is a global spectacle, bringing people together to celebrate every inning, play, and unforgettable moment.
November and beyond: What to watch for
As 2024 races toward its finale, sports fans have plenty to watch. From high-stakes races to hard-hitting bouts, the next two months promise their fair share of drama and must-see moments.
Formula 1 and the battle for the championship
In Formula 1, all eyes are on Max Verstappen as he closes in on another world title. But the competition isn’t done yet—Lando Norris could still pull off an upset if he makes a big push during the final stretch. The Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 21-23 will be pivotal, with high stakes and potential twists. However, it all truly comes to a head at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 6-8, where the season finale often delivers dramatic moments and seals championship fates.
NBA action heats up
The NBA regular season is well underway, and November offers fans plenty of marquee matchups. With star-studded showdowns, rising contenders, and playoff ambitions taking shape, every game counts. Expect big performances from household names and thrilling battles as teams set the tone for the long season ahead.
Combat sports deliver fireworks
For wrestling fans, WWE’s Survivor Series: WarGames hits Vancouver on November 30. Big names, intense rivalries, and a format built for chaos—this is one you don’t want to miss. Combat sports keep rolling with UFC 310 on December 7 in Las Vegas.
Closing out the year with more thrills
Looking ahead to the end of the year, December features the always-anticipated PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace. Running from mid-December into early January, it’s a celebration of skill and precision that brings together the best in the game.
Stream sports with ExpressVPN in 3 easy steps
ExpressVPN is your go-to tool for catching every live sports moment without restrictions. Here’s how you can stream every game, race, and showdown securely, no matter where you are:
- Get ExpressVPN and set it up on your device.
- Choose a region where your sports event is streaming.
- Visit your preferred streaming service and catch the action, live and unrestricted.