Being an avid sports fan does not mean that sports must be consumed in the traditional way. There was a time when I would eagerly sit down and watch the whole game. Now, I am not as compelled to lean back in a recliner and watch the whole game from start to finish. I might catch the first half or even tune in at the start of the 4th quarter to see how it plays out. The way sports are covered now is completely different than five years ago, which has made it easier for me to adapt as a sports viewer. If I miss a game, it is truly not a big deal as I know that it will be talked about on SportsCenter that night or discussed on First Take the next day. Social media has even played a role in how I consume sports. I can easily hop online and see that Bleacher Report or ESPN posted that the Celtics beat the Lakers or Lamar Jackson threw for five touchdowns. Social media has even led to me finding out some of the most shocking breaking news in sports.

Additionally, sport viewers often see athletes as a form of entertainment, but they are much more than that. When they are expressing themselves on sites like TikTok, people can see things from their point of view. These athletes might have more money in their bank accounts than the average human, but they are still humans. It is funny to see them goof off and just be themselves. Especially, since some of them face pressure to perform well and are ridiculed when they don’t. I enjoy this new way to consume sports.

Sports Media in the next five years

I predict that sports media will still be centered on the athlete but in a more unique way. There has been a trend of people starting podcast for the heck of it. Athletes are no exception to that trend. Which I believe is a breath of fresh air considering sport commentators and fans have so much to say. Now, athletes can talk about the same topics as sport media pundits, but from their viewpoint on their own podcast. I believe this is beneficial because athletes know the most intricate details that others don’t. They can break down a player’s performance because their experience allows for them to see things that others might not. Their takes make for some interesting discussions. This is why so many of them are currently getting podcasts and will continue to get them in the future. Personally, I love basketball and would rather listen to an NBA or WNBA player’s podcast instead of someone like Stephen A. Smith. I think that others feel the same way and might watch/listen to podcasts to appease their desire to consume sports.

Another change that can be expected is a streaming service takeover in sports. So many live sporting events are now being broadcast on streaming platforms. With this being the case, it can limit the opportunities that a sports viewer has to watch something as not many people can afford to have every streaming service. Not to mention that an increase in the competition for streaming rights might lead to higher prices that have to be paid. If I could change one thing in the sports media world, it would be this. It should not be difficult for someone to view sports if they want to.