Spectator Sports in Canada - Market Research Report

Winner takes all: Operators will likely continue to push for additional revenue streams via advertising

This report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecasts, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.

Sports franchises in Canada entertain millions of Canadian consumers on an annual basis and the diversity of service offerings typically helps to stabilize their collective performance. There are few industry-specific organizations that can generate significant revenue, including the Canadian Football League and the National Hockey League (NHL), with most teams instead consisting of small operations that provide sport entertainment on local or regional levels. Revenue was poised to grow strongly prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but seasons were halted and fans weren't permitted to fill stadiums and arenas until 2022, lengthening the decline and prolonging the recovery. Revenue is expected to decrease at a CAGR of 2.3% to $3.8 billion over the five years to 2023. Continued recovery from the pandemic is expected to result in revenue increasing 4.6% in 2023 alone as the NHL has passed pre-pandemic revenue levels, while other leagues and teams are in their second full year of normal operations. The Spectator Sports industry in Canada comprises sports teams or clubs that participate in live professional or semiprofessional sporting events (e.g. baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer and other team sports) before a paying audience. The sports franchises included in this industry may or may not operate their own facilities for presenting games or other spectator sports events.