The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 has shattered global viewership records with nearly 2 billion people tuning in to watch the prestigious football tournament.
This unprecedented level of engagement has not only placed AFCON at the forefront of the sporting world but has also paved the way for its continued growth and success.
One of the primary factors contributing to the record-breaking viewership of AFCON 2023 is the expanded broadcast rights and media coverage. Matches were aired in approximately 180 countries through deals with partner broadcasters such as Sky, Canal+, beIN Sport, BBC, and MultiChoice, among others. This wide distribution allowed football enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to witness the thrilling matches and support their favorite teams.
In addition to the increased broadcast rights, AFCON 2023 also witnessed a surge in commercial partnerships. The tournament had 17 commercial partners, including prominent brands like TotalEnergies, 1xBet, Orange, and Unilever. This influx of sponsors not only provided financial support but also helped to elevate the tournament’s visibility and attract a larger audience.
Another crucial factor that contributed to the global viewership of AFCON 2023 was the impact of social media. In today’s digital age, social media plays a significant role in promoting and engaging with sporting events. AFCON actively leveraged platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to create buzz, share highlights, and provide real-time updates. This digital presence allowed the tournament to reach a wider audience beyond traditional broadcast channels and attracted younger viewers who are more inclined to consume content through social media platforms.
Furthermore, the significant increase in media coverage also played a pivotal role in attracting viewers to AFCON 2023. The tournament garnered immense interest, as indicated by the staggering number of journalist applications for media accreditation, which doubled compared to the previous edition held in Cameroon in 2022. This heightened media attention brought the tournament to the forefront of global sports news, driving curiosity and participation from all corners of the world.
The success of AFCON 2023’s global viewership record is even more apparent when compared to other major sporting events.The Super Bowl 2024, one of the most-watched sporting events globally, attracted 200 million viewers worldwide, according to Nielsen.
Euro 2022, another highly anticipated football tournament, had an estimated viewership of 365 million people. The Asian Cup 2024 reached a staggering 500 million viewers, while the 2022 FIFA World Cup had a global reach of almost 1.5 billion viewers. AFCON’s viewership of nearly 2 billion people clearly showcases its growing popularity and global appeal.
The incredible success of AFCON 2023’s global viewership can be attributed to the combined efforts of expanded broadcast rights, commercial partnerships, social media engagement, and increased media coverage. These factors have not only elevated AFCON to new heights but have also contributed to the overall growth and promotion of African football on a global scale. With each passing edition, AFCON continues to captivate audiences worldwide and cement its status as one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world.
Discover more from Who Owns Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
 2023 has shattered global viewership records with nearly 2 billion people.){kind=link}
You must be logged in to post a comment.