Streaming platforms are quickly
getting on the sports train in a big way -- with global sports programming now up 52% in the first quarter of 2026 versus the year before, according to Nielsen’s Gracenote.
As of the
first quarter, Amazon remains the top worldwide distributor of sports programming content, with a 38.5% share.
Netflix is next at 25.9%, followed by Disney+ at 23.7%, Paramount+ with 10.3%,
and Apple TV at 1.6%.
Paramount+ has been one of fastest-growing streamers in boosting sports content -- up 219%, more than double the previous year -- largely due to a billion-dollar deal to air UFC events. At the same time, Gracenote
notes Disney+ actually contracted by 23%.
FAST (free advertising-supported streaming television) channels are up 30% in terms of overall sports shows versus the previous
year. This comes from Gracenote’s survey of 2,060 channels which are available worldwide.
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In addition, research shows that other programming genres have risen on FAST, with
news content gaining 58%, movies 26% higher and scripted/unscripted TV shows 24% more year-over-year.
According to Gracenote, there are 19,400 sports TV series and episodes across five major
streamers (Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Netflix, and Paramount+) in 28 countries. This compares to 71,800 movies and 574,200 TV shows.