A new report from Ampere Analysis reveals a dramatic increase in spending on US sports rights. The expenditure has surged 122% over the past decade, climbing from $13.8 billion in 2015 to a staggering $30.5 billion in 2025.
This growth significantly outpaces the overall TV industry revenue increase of just 24% during the same period. Investment in sports rights has grown five times faster than the broader market. Sports rights now constitute 14% of total TV revenue, emphasizing their premium value in a fragmented media environment where broadcasters fiercely compete for subscribers and viewer loyalty.
Key findings highlight the considerable increase in spending on NFL and NBA rights. These landmark deals, including new long-term NFL contracts signed in 2023 and NBA rights renewals starting in the 2025–26 season, have fueled this growth. The substantial spending reflects the crucial role of live sports in attracting and retaining subscribers, boosting viewership, and driving advertising revenue.
In contrast to the US, the European market shows a different trend. While the UK and Spain experienced growth in sports rights spending, it was significantly lower compared to the US. In France and Germany, growth largely stagnated. Between 2019 and 2025, European TV revenue growth surpassed sports rights spending in the “big five” markets. This contrasts sharply with the US, where rights spending increased four times faster than the overall TV market growth.
Daniel Harraghy, Research Manager at Ampere Analysis, commented: “As TV markets slow, sports rights inflation continues. The huge hikes in NFL and NBA deals demonstrate how live sports continue to deliver unique value as a driver of audience reach and retention. By contrast, the more restrained approach in Europe reflects the tough economics of rights investment. Market differences are being driven by several factors, including longer-term rights contracts in the US, business models that place greater emphasis on affiliate fees and advertising rather than subscriptions, and a more competitive rights market.”