In 2022, ESPN reported increases in TV viewing among key demos as well as streaming subscriptions for ESPN+, which hit 24.3 million – up 42% during the year. The direct-to-consumer platform delivered more than 27.500 live events (up from 22.000 in 2021). In fact, during 2022, ESPN+ showcased its most-viewed event, most-streams in one day and three most-viewed original series ever.
Meanwhile, ESPN became the leading sports digital platform, as it continued to see growth in 2022 averaging 106.7 million unique visitors per month this year, up +3% from 2021. ESPN Digital set a new US Sports category record two months in a row with 122.7 million unique visitors in September, followed by 122.8 million unique visitors in October.
At the same time, ESPN will finish the year as the number one full-time cable network among Men and Adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-52 in total day. This will mark the 31st consecutive year that ESPN has held the number one spot for Men 18-34 and 18-49 specifically, and 13 straight years number one among people 18-34 and 18-49. Moreover, for the ninth straight year, ESPN will be the number one cable network in prime time among all key adult demos (P18-34, P18-49, P25-54).
Furthermore, ESPN led the sports media category in fan engagement this year with 6.8 billion total actions across Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and Facebook, up 44% year over year. ESPN is also a top brand in the entire social ecosystem, boasting four of the Top 50 most engaged brands overall: SportsCenter, ESPN, ESPN FC, and ESPN MMA (Shareablee).
“Sports fans hold ESPN to the highest standard, and 2022 showed once again how committed we are to delivering for them. We brought the very best offerings to every conceivable sports-related environment and experience, and often did so in record numbers. On top of that, we developed innovations and secured new agreements that will drive a successful future for ESPN and The Walt Disney Company. In an ever-changing and competitive landscape, ESPN continues to lead through a focus on quality, creativity and an inclusive culture,” said Jimmy Pitaro, Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content.
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