PwC Forecasts Boost in U.S. Sports Media Rights

NEW YORK: A new report from PwC forecasts that sports media rights in North America will grow to $17.1 billion in 2017 from $11.8 billion in 2012, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.7 percent.

The new PwC Sports Outlook, At the gate and beyond, notes that sports remain an "advertiser safe haven" given continued live-TV consumption. Sponsorships are also expected to show healthy gains, rising to $17.7 billion in 2017. Gate revenues (ticket sales for live events) will continue to be the main revenue generator, delivering $19.1 billion in 2017, while merchandising revenues will be about $13.8 billion, PwC says, with a compound annual growth rate of just 1.6 percent.

Media rights this year are expected to generate $12.4 billion, rising 18.8 percent next year to $14.7 billion.