Recently, a significant number of sports fans faced disappointment when ESPN and ABC were unavailable on YouTube TV. During a recent Monday night game between the Cardinals and Cowboys, around 16.2 million viewers tuned in across various platforms like ESPN and NFL+. This event marked ESPN’s second-highest audience for Week 9 since 2011. However, in recent years, this game was not usually broadcasted on ABC, which adds context to this year’s numbers.
Even with a large audience, the lack of YouTube TV coverage had an impact. Some viewers may have found alternative ways to watch, such as using over-the-air antennas or other streaming services. But the inconvenience of scrambling for a solution likely dampened the viewing experience for many. It’s important to consider how technology shapes our viewing habits. A survey indicated that 64% of viewers prefer streaming services for live sports due to convenience.
Interestingly, there isn’t much comparison of this year’s audience to last year’s for Week 9. The previous year, the Bucs and Chiefs game averaged 20.6 million viewers, representing a 21.4% drop in viewership this season. The Cowboys often attract larger audiences, and last year’s matchup against the Bengals brought in 18.7 million viewers, despite the teams’ losing records at the time.
A closer look at viewership sources could reveal the number of fans relying on free broadcasting versus those using paid options. The absence of YouTube TV likely meant fewer viewers overall. As the clock ticks down to the upcoming game between the Packers and Eagles, fans will be eager to see if this issue is resolved.
Ultimately, the streaming landscape continues to evolve, and events like this highlight the importance of accessible viewing options for sports fans. The demand for seamless access to content shows no signs of slowing down.
