The popularity of this year’s postponed Euro 2020 tournament is generating a massive following in the States. The Euros, as it is commonly referred to, has a huge fan base in Europe, as expected, but also in Asia and Australia, too. However, Soccer, in the States, has had much less attention in the past, due to the lack of interest in the sport in general, however, the last decade or so has seen audiences increase year after year. This increase of attention has come partly due to the fantastic coverage that is now being offered.
Setanta Sports Pay-Per View Years
Setanta Sports held the television rights to broadcast the tournament from 2000 – 2004. They announced that there would be a $20 pay-per-view fee to watch any of the tournament’s games. Alternatively, fans could pay $149 to get access to the whole tournament. Viewers would have to watch by using television providers, iNDemand, DISH Network or DirecTV. If you were at a bar, then you would be subject to a $3000 viewing fee.
These prices seemed fairly high for a sport that was not considered to be a ‘major’ sport at the time. A new generation of fans was going to be difficult to obtain as they were being deterred by high prices.
There was a free option for fans however, as Fox Sports World were showing matches, but with a week-long delay – all excitement lost as the result was already known.
By Euro 2004, Setanta Sports had increased their prices to $179 for a tournament pass per household or $4000 for a bar.
Euro 2020 Also Providing Betting Opportunities for Americans
With the opening up of sports betting in the USA in recent years, many AMericans are now taking the chance to place bets at Euro 2020. They use popular Euro 2020 free bets, odds, and betting guides to get the best tips and value. Whether you call it Euro 2020 orEuro 2021 (it was meant to play in 2020 but COVID-19 put paid to that), you will actually find a ton of Euro 2020 betting offers. Many leading bookmakers will give Euro 2021 free bets, while some will even stream the event live so that you can watch how your bets are doing in real time.
ESPN Generate an Interest
ESPN has held the broadcasting rights for the American market since 2008, after making a deal with UEFA in December ’06.
Uefa’s main vision was to capture the American market that had eluded them for so many years. ESPN presented a perfect opportunity to do just this, as it is widely obtainable across American TV sets or online. ESPN used the 2008 tournament as a test to see what reaction they would receive. The news was good, ratings were up as American viewers really got into the tournament.
Today we can see all 51 matches covered, 40 matches available on ESPN, 6 matches on ESPN2 and 6 matches are shown on ABC.
The studio analysts are full of soccer experience with the likes of, former England star, Steve McManaman and American Soccer legend, Tim Howard and Kasey Keller. Former professionals Nedum Onuoha and Craig Burley, too, along with well respected referee, Mark Clattenburg to clear up any dispute regarding any of the rules.
ESPN has offered a platform for soccer to thrive on and in America it is doing just that. Audiences are increasing over the entire country which is something that Uefa will be happy with, but also the United States Soccer Federation as they look to strengthen the sport from within the country. Audiences are already well into the millions, and that number is only likely to increase.
Even aside from the broadcasters listed, there are tons of ways you can watch UEFA Euro 2020 soccer scores & matches. Not all are legal though, so make sure you use a VPN.