Cord cutting—the process of cancelling paid TV service—which began in roughly 2010 has continued to proliferate to the tune of 3.4% of subscribers cancelling year over year during Q4 2017. These cancellations have likely affected the mediated viewership of major sports since sports programming is a significant driver of cable subscriptions. Available viewership data from the various leagues cut in both directions—NFL television viewership is down almost 10 percent season over season in 2017, but NBA viewership is up by upwards of 20 percent. So it is unclear whether cord cutting represents a decline in interest the sports themselves or merely paid television viewing of certain sports.
Tag: FanWide
World Cup Games Are Closer Than Ever!
With the US failing to qualify, many were worried that this year’s edition of the FIFA World Cup would lack as much excitement as usual. So far, it has been one of the most exciting cups in recent memory. The two factors that have revved up the excitement: close games with late goals and the small number of scoreless matches.
Visit FanWide.com to find an International Soccer game watch party or fan club near you.
Insight into 2018 World Cup Public Watch Parties
Public viewing parties have become increasingly prevalent in professional sports in recent years. Specifically, for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, television broadcasts often cut to public viewing parties when teams score goals. These large public viewing parties are usually for big soccer events. However, very seldom do we see public viewing parties for popular American sports like basketball, football, baseball or hockey. Instead in the US, we have watch parties at bars or restaurants. FanWide can help you find local watch parties for your favorite teams. Check out this previous post for A Definitive History of World Cup Game Watch Parties.
Home Field Advantage for Countries Hosting the World Cup
This year’s FIFA World Cup has gotten off to a super exciting start. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick against Spain, to Iceland’s shocking draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina, to Mexico’s stunning victory over the defending champion Germany, there has been no shortage of instant classic games. One of the most notable results from this first slate of games is that Russia, the host country for this year’s iteration of the event, blitzed Saudi Arabia in a 5-0 win to open the tournament and followed it up with a convincing 3-1 win against Egypt. Could home field advantage have played big a role in this result and if so, could it mean bigger things are to come for this Russian side?
The US Missed Their Chance… Who to Root for in the 2018 World Cup?
Although it seems like soccer is at an all-time high in terms of popularity in the United States, the fandom couldn’t help the US Men’s National Team in the World Cup Qualifiers this year. The USMNT finished 5th out of 6 teams in the Hexagonal round of the CONCACAF 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, a finish that failed to qualify them for the 2018 World Cup. However difficult it may be to stomach, 32 other national teams will travel to Russia. But, who’s jersey should you wear as you watch for hours on end? What colors should you paint your face? Which team do you think will hoist the 2018 FIFA World Cup Trophy in Moscow?
Where to Watch the Best NBA Playoffs We’ve Seen in Years
Perhaps the biggest knock against the NBA playoffs over the past few seasons has been its predictability. The same two teams, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, have met in the finals for the past three seasons, leaving the postseason devoid of suspense. Last year, those teams lost one game combined on their road to the finals. This year, however, things are different. While the Cavs and Warriors are both still in the hunt, a host of new competitors have led to some fascinating series and a fourth consecutive finals meeting between those two teams is very much in doubt. This blog will show you where to watch every game with a local fan club.
Visit FanWide.com to find a NBA watch party or fan club near you.
Your Guide to The Best Viewing Experience for The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs
The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs have been plenty entertaining thus far and things are only about to heat up with the first round set to conclude early this week. There have been so many great storylines this NHL season and they seem to have carried over into the playoffs. Chief amongst them are the Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion team going into this season, sweeping the Los Angeles Kings in the first round to continue their fairy tales season and the Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing their quest at a historic three peat. But no matter what team you root for, there is no better time to watch an NHL game than now. So why not have fun and go to a game watch party? FanWide gives fans like you this opportunity no matter where you live or are traveling so you can enjoy the games surrounded by fans like you.
Visit FanWide.com to find a NHL watch party or fan club near you.
Where Sports Fans Can Go When Their Team Limits Its Game Watch Parties
The University of Michigan held an official viewing party for the National Championship game of the Men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament. This makes perfect sense, Michigan was playing in the championship game and naturally the students wanted to watch the game together, as a collective fan base. However, the attendance had to be limited because the school was about to host the Big Ten gymnastics championships and the equipment used for the competition was set up on the floor. This dilemma shows an increasing trend in limiting game watch party attendance, a problem FanWide (@FanWide) solves for sports fans nationwide.
How To Catch All The Action On MLB Opening Day
Opening Day for Major League Baseball is this Thursday March 29th, meaning it’s time for baseball once again. There may be no better way to follow all the action on opening day than at a viewing party surrounded by fans of your favorite team. Don’t worry. FanWide has you covered.
Visit FanWide.com to find a MLB watch party or fan club near you.
The Stage is Set for a Dramatic Finish to the 2018 UEFA Champions League
So far it has been quite a crazy year in the UEFA Champions League. The sound of 16 draws brought on tantalizing matchups between big-spenders, Paris Saint-German against defending champions Real Madrid. The Round of 16 included five seemingly dominant English Premier League teams. Manchester City cruised to a 5-2 victory in aggregate over Swiss side FC Basel. Liverpool’s magnificent front three thrashed Portuguese giants, FC Porto, 5-0 in aggregate. However, Tottenham Hotspur did fall short after their triumphant first leg, come from behind, draw against the Italian champions and last year’s runner-up, Juventus. These exciting games are best enjoyed when you are surrounded by dozens of other fans from your favorite team! If you are living in the United States, you can use FanWide to find the closest fan club or game watch party in any city.