A Real Game Changer: With Pro Sports Returning, Were They Even Missed Much?

Several weeks back, we shared some preliminary insights from sports fans on how they feel about professional sports getting delayed or the possibility of some sports having a 2 part season in 2020. 

At this stage of the game, MLB will open its season today and new developments should allow for a conclusion to both the NBA & NHL seasons and for the NFL to likely begin 2020 competition soon. To get in-the-moment perceptions on professional sports returning, we surveyed 905 pro sport fans in early July.

While sports were on hiatus, 35% claim they missed live professional sports “a lot”. While males are most apt to go to bat with this sentiment, they still fall short of reaching majority opinion (46%). Another 34% indicate they missed live professional sports “a little” and slightly fewer (31%) “didn’t miss live pro sports much at all and would have been fine waiting for next season” (led by females).

While we previously asked basketball fans how they would feel if their season took place in 2 parts, the buzzer-beating decision to let the NHL finish the 2020 season just prior to fielding this research allowed us to get timely insights from hockey fans. 

Specifically, six-in-ten hockey fans don’t feel it’s fair to compare the 2020 season to the previous season if played in 2 parts, but they’ll still view the rightful team as champions. Those remaining are slightly more apt to view the 2020 season as similar to previous seasons (21%) than say it’s not a fair comparison & they won’t view this year’s winner as the rightful champion (18%).

Looking to gather timely insights from a specific affinity group? We’d love to help answer your research questions!