With pubs facing an uphill struggle in matching sales figures from the 2018 Russia World Cup, The Morning Advertiser asked which emerging sports will help make up the numbers in 2019.
Many operators, optimistic for the year ahead, highlighted the opportunities yielded by the growth of women’s and American sports on our shores, the imminent cricket and netball World Cups as well as ever-popular Premier League football.
Why should pubs show Sky Sports in 2019?
More coverage of the Premier League and EFL
With Sky Sports increasing its number of live Premier League matches from the 2019-20 season onwards – showing 128 games from next season, including Saturday evening matches for the first time – and typically comprehensive coverage of the EFL, be prepared for more unforgettable moments than ever in 2019.
Inaugural UEFA Nations League finals
With the Three Lions' popularity soaring at levels not seen since the turn of the millennium, Sky Sports is offering pubs exclusive access to the finals of the inaugural UEFA Nations League where Gareth Southgate and England continue the momentum built at the World Cup in Russia.
Watch the best in world Cricket
Sky Sports broadcasting both The Ashes and the Cricket World Cup in 2019 offers pubs unique access to top-class cricket this year.
Lewis Hamilton strives for British racing history
The most successful British driver in Formula One history chases more records live on Sky Sports in 2019.
England’s preparation for the 2019 Rugby World Cup
On average, rugby fans spent 15 minutes longer in the pub, per visit, than football fans according to MatchPint, spending 12% more per trip. With England’s preparations for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan being show live on Sky Sports, pubs have a great chance to drive footfall and profits next year.
Women’s Six Nations rugby
Sky Sports will show all five of England Women’s matches in the Six Nations in 2019 with their campaign getting under way on 1 February against Ireland in Dublin.
The place to watch American sports
On top of showing live NFL, Sky Sports announced an exclusive partnership to show the NBA in the UK and Ireland for the next four years in October.
Huge year for British boxing
British boxing is set for another huge year in 2019 with Anthony Joshua poised to defend his world heavyweight titles at Wembley in April.
The Open and the Solheim Cup golf
The 2018 Masters, featuring the return of Tiger Woods after a three-year hiatus and Patrick Reid claiming his first green jacket at Augusta, drove close to 1m customers to the pub to watch top-class golf. With Sky Sports to broadcast The Open and The Solheim Cup, there’s plenty for pub customers to get excited about next year.
Netball World Cup
The England netball team shocking Australia in the last minute to win gold at the 2018 Commonwealth games won BBC Sports Personality’s moment of the year. Sky Sports will be the only place to watch 10 days of action from the 2019 Netball World Cup.
