Mobile sports viewership dominated by Asia

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The rapid circulation of smartphone usage in Asia, parallel to the rollout of 5G networks, has resulted in a massive upsurge of sport consumption via the use of mobile phones.

The rapid circulation of smartphone usage in Asia, parallel to the rollout of 5G networks, has resulted in a massive upsurge of sport consumption via the use of mobile phones.

In this age of continual digital advancement, it has been uncovered that 19% of fans globally use mobile applications to watch sport across the world.

The news comes from a recently published report from research and data analytics firm YouGov who discovered that consumers in Asia are increasingly utilising mobile apps in order to follow and watch sport.

Vietnamese consumption of mobile sports has proven especially popular, with nearly half (48%) of the country’s sporting legion watching their sports on mobile devices, with the only minor variation occurring among age groups.

It was found also that India has a significant share of fans (44%) who watch sport via the use of mobile apps. The report cited India’s low data rates and the large number of domestic service providers as the major contributing factors in the increase of mobile streaming use in the country.

Viewership in Thailand (33%), South Korea (28%) and the Philippines (28%) was also higher than the global average of 19% of sports fans who conduct their viewing via mobile apps.

Taiwan and Japan are the notable Asian outliers in the report, as both countries recorded some of the lowest rates globally at 7% and 6% respectively.

Comparatively, the research revealed that mobile sports consumption in the United States and in Europe is low. The United Kingdom reported figures of just 12% of consumers using mobile apps to watch sport, whilst Spain had the highest rate of usage in Europe with 18% and the United States were reported to have had just 13%.

Undoubtedly, the next generation of mobile devices will see further migration towards mobile sports consumption (particularly with high-speed, low latency 5G made available across the world) as the value-for-money will be an enticing proposition for sports fans, with access to replays, custom camera angles and virtual reality just some of the opportunities presented going forward.

The new era of sports consumption will be significant for the sporting landscape, whilst providing telecom companies a lucrative chance to recoup from a heavy investment in the next-gen network.

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Heidelberg United strengthens ties with Melbourne City Toyota

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Heidelberg United FC

It was announced via social media on Tuesday this week that Melbourne City Toyota would be extending their longstanding collaboration with Heidelberg United FC ahead of the 2026 season. 

 

A longstanding connection

The news of a collaboration between Heidelberg United and Melbourne City Toyota will come as no surprise to all those associated with the club. With a connection going all the way back to 2013, their professional relationship is built on solid foundations rooted within the Melbourne community. 

‘Heidelberg United FC is pleased to announce the continued support of our valued partner, Melbourne City Toyota, a proud sponsor since the inception of the NPL,’ the club said via an announcement made on social media. 

With a strong presence across several locations in Melbourne, including Heidelberg itself, Melbourne City Toyota represents an invaluable source of local support for Heidelberg United. 

 

An exciting project 

Since their first collaboration when the NPL first formed in 2013, Melbourne City Toyota have been an ever-present part of Heidelberg United’s journey to becoming one of the most formidable clubs in the NPL. 

In the past three seasons, the club has consistently risen up the NPLM VIC table. A mere two years on from finishing 9th in 2023, the men’s team achieved huge success last season as they became NPLM Victoria champions and reached the final of the Australian Cup. Although the latter ended in defeat, victories against A-League giants like Auckland FC showcased Heidelberg’s quality. 

The women’s team has also enjoyed plenty of success since joining the NPLW in 2016. Most notably, they achieved back-to-back Premiership titles in 2024 and 2025. With such success being showcased in both the NPLM and NPLW, there are certainly no question marks over Heidelberg United’s standing as one of the most exciting footballing projects not only in Victoria, but in all Australia.

 

New chapter, old partners

As clubs continue their preparations for the 2026 season, establishing local support and building community connections will be crucial. ‘The Bergers’ will no doubt be looking to count on the backing of Melbourne City Toyota as both a local and loyal partner in their endeavours on and off the pitch. 

 

‘Back together!’ – SD Raiders FC announce partnership with GIOCA

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SD Raiders FC

In an announcement made via social media on Friday, SD Raiders FC revealed they would be collaborating once more with sports brand and apparel supplier GIOCA. 

 

Old partners, new goals

While the SD Raiders and GIOCA only announced the news of their upcoming collaboration on Friday, the bond between these two organisations goes back nearly a decade. 

One of GIOCA’S first club partners was with SD Raiders FC back in 2016. The recent announcement highlights the strong connections established with the club which have endured nearly a decade later. 

“Back together! A full circle moment as we re-join forces with SD Raiders FC – one of our very first club partners all those years ago,” GIOCA said via an announcement on social media. 

As SD Raiders look to tackle their first season in the NPL NSW, reigniting a longstanding relationship with GIOCA will be an invaluable source of support for the club both on and off the pitch. 

 

By footballers, for footballers

What sets GIOCA apart from other apparel suppliers in Australia is the links engrained within the company to the footballing world. The brand prides itself on being created by current and former professionals to ensure their clients and partners receive high-quality apparel, custom jerseys and football accessories. 

Since its inception 10 years ago, GIOCA has grown into a highly-regarded sports brand in Australia, with operations expanding across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. SD Raiders FC will join several clubs due to partner with GIOCA in 2026, including Ormeau FC (QLD), Narellan Rangers Soccer Club (NSW) and North Coast Football. 

 

A recipe for success

GIOCA stands as an exciting partner for SD Raiders FC not just for the apparel services they provide, but for their history of working with clubs aiming for success. 

Just last season, the brand worked with NWS Spirit as they clinched the NPL NSW title, as well as with Melbourne-based side, Bentleigh Greens, who achieved promotion to the NPL VIC. SD Raiders FC will no doubt be hoping that their reestablished connections with GIOCA will lead to similar levels of success in 2026 and beyond.

Click here for more information about the services offered by GIOCA.

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