Did Aussies watch sporting events at home, in person, or at the pub in 2024?

- By Rob Denham

2024 produced yet another year of unforgettable sporting moments. From Jannik Sinner’s remarkable comeback to claim his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne, to the Penrith Panthers securing their fourth consecutive NRL Grand Final victory, and a 100/1 outsider triumphing in the Melbourne Cup – the year certainly delivered. But how did fans choose to experience these spectacles?

Data from YouGov Sport indicates that the majority of fans preferred to watch from the comfort of their own homes. The Repco Bathurst 1000 back in October proved to be the ultimate home viewing event amongst Aussies – with 85% of fans tuning in from the sanctity of their sofa. Similarly, both the AFL (78%) and AFLW (74%) Grand Finals, as well as the NRL Grand Final (80%), were predominantly watched from living rooms across the country. Other marquee events on the Australian sporting calendar, such as the Australian Open Men’s Singles Final (78%) and the Boxing Day Test Match between Australia and India (79%), followed suit, offering exhilarating home viewing experiences.

However, the data also reveals that some sports are more commonly enjoyed in a communal setting. The Melbourne Cup, for example, saw 16% of viewers watching from an out-of-home location, such as a bar or pub. Boxing also stands out as a sport that draws fans together in social environments. Despite the tricky time difference, 9% of viewers watched the much-publicised Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight in a similar manner in November.

Somewhat ironically, boxing does appear to have a unique ability to bring people together. For the Paul-Tyson fight, 22% of viewers enjoyed the event at a friend's house, while in the UK, 19% of those watching the Joshua-Dubois fight did the same—the largest share among major sporting events in 2024. The sport’s subscription-based / pay-per-view streaming style has likely played a role in this, making it more convenient for fans to gather and watch.

In terms of attendance, it was the Australian Grand Prix that stood out, with 11% of fans flocking to Albert Park to experience the four-day festival of sport in person.