About 57.5 million Americans viewed digital live sports videos at least once a month in 2021. By 2025, this number is anticipated to reach over 90 million, according to Statista.

There is little doubt that an accelerated switch to streaming is underway and that this is probably happening more rapidly in the U.S. than in any other market. Most rightsholders, though, have already been tapping into that technology for the better part of a decade by distributing clips and other short-form content on third-party social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

According to SportBusiness’ “Global Media Report 2021,” global sports media rights revenue was $52.1 billion in 2021, an increase of just less than 16% on 2020’s COVID-impacted total. This income is also approximately $1.1 billion more than 2019’s total of $50.9 billion, which emphasizes the resurgence of the industry. Yet according to the report, traditional broadcast deals still drive the vast majority of that income. So the question facing sports is what role DTC should play in this new world.

Traditional broadcasters will simulcast live games on TV and digital platforms

“Given the importance of linear media rights revenue in professional sports economics, it is likely to be a decade or more before reaching the inflection point at which a D2C service is used as the primary distribution platform by the majority of rightsholders,” MediaKind reports. The NFL’s $110 billion deal signed in March 2021 to keep the bulk of its games with CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBC until 2033 is a case in point. It’s likely that the traditional broadcasters will simulcast live games on TV and digital platforms Paramount+, ESPN+, Tubi, and Peacock. In addition, Thursday Night Football will be exclusive to Amazon Prime Video in the NFL’s first-ever all-digital package for which the streamer paid $1 billion per year, according to CNBC.

While most sports fanatics are looking forward to their favorite games, broadcasters often black out local games. That’s because TV broadcasters buy the rights to stream local games, so you either have to purchase the TV package or go watch the match live.

Luckily, these issues are easy to bypass with a high-quality VPN, such as ExpressVPN. Whether you want to prevent blackouts or unblock geo-restricted streaming services, a VPN can help you with it all. Not to mention that getting a streaming platform with a VPN lets you access much more sports content than regular viewers.

What makes the best VPN for streaming sports?

The best VPNs for streaming sports are services that guarantee great streaming capabilities. Here are the criteria that make a VPN best for streaming content:

• Sports streaming capabilities. Depending on what you want to watch, the best streaming VPN should be able to access the streaming sites and services you need, such as MLB.tv, NFL Game Pass, and NBA League Pass.
• Great performance. It’s no secret that every VPN will reduce your device speed to some extent. However, it shouldn’t be noticeable, and the more speed a VPN can retain, the better the streaming experience you’re guaranteed.
• No data caps. Streaming activities use up a lot of data, so a VPN with unlimited resources is an optimal choice.
• Huge server network. Having many server locations available is useful when you know you’ll want to access different geo-restricted streaming platforms. Additionally, you’re guaranteed to find servers that aren’t overcrowded, ensuring optimal speeds for streaming.
• Good compatibility and multiple simultaneous connections. You might one to use a VPN on multiple devices, that’s why it’s important that a VPN offers apps for all popular operating systems (OS). Especially considering that the best ones let you connect multiple devices to one account.
• Traffic obfuscation feature. While not all VPNs provide this feature, obfuscated servers are helpful to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.

Stream sports with the #1 VPN service

ExpressVPN is the number-one VPN based on a collection of high-level security features, blazing speeds, and excellent customer support.

Step 1: Download

Sign up for ExpressVPN and get it set up on your computer, smart TV, phone, tablet, streaming device, or router.

Step 2: Connect

Connect to a VPN server location in one of 94 countries and counting.

 

Step 3: Stream

Watch your favorite sports securely and with no ISP throttling while ExpressVPN runs in the background.

Get your favorite shows and apps wherever you are, and stay up to date even when you’re far from home. Say goodbye to censorship and restrictions.

              

Phone, tablet, computer, router—no matter where you are or what devices you’re using, a single ExpressVPN subscription has got you covered.

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN for streaming sports. It offers top-notch performance and plenty of additional features for increased security and privacy – without compromising your broadcast quality.

With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, there are plenty of international servers to pick from.

If you’re not 100% satisfied with ExpressVPN within 30 days they’ll refund your payment. It’s that simple.

Enjoy!

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