The sports world is buzzing louder than ever, and bars and restaurants are poised to cash in. Live sports have become a cornerstone of community entertainment, offering a proven way to boost revenue and create unforgettable experiences for your customers.
Let’s dive into what’s trending in 2025 and find ways to keep your establishment ahead of the competition.
Why Live Sports Matter for Your Business
It’s simple – live sports bring people together. When fans gather to cheer on their teams or watch a high-stakes fight, they tend to spend more time and money at your bar or restaurant. Research has shown that live sports can drive a 21% increase in unit-level sales, as customers are more likely to stay longer and spend more. Combine this with the camaraderie and excitement of a packed establishment, and you have a recipe for success.
The Power of Big Names
Sports fans aren’t just tuning in – they’re showing up to see the biggest names in action. Stars like Oleksandr Usyk, Canelo Alvarez, Jake Paul and Amanda Serrano are dominating boxing headlines; UFC’s new generation of talent, like Merab Dvalishvili, Alex Pereira, Islam Makhachev, and Alexa Grasso, continue to break records; WWE Superstars, such as Roman Reigns and Rhea Ripley are captivating audiences like never before; and MJF, Mercedes Moné and Bryan Danielson continue to take AEW to new heights!
But what does this mean for bar and restaurant owners? Showcasing these events will bring packed seats, increased food and drink sales, and loyal customers. Our recent study with Technomic has shown that 82% of customers are likely to spend more on food and drink than just dining-in if establishments show their favorite team, league or event on TV.
The Shift: Residential Streaming Platforms and Commercial Broadcasting
Another trend to watch in the new year is residential streaming platforms, such as Netflix, entering the commercial space. Netflix produced a live boxing match for the first time, distributing Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson to commercial establishments on November 15, 2024, making it available with the help of Joe Hand Promotions and DIRECTV for BUSINESS. While this opens up exciting new opportunities for bars and restaurants, it’s important to remember that the same broadcasting rules and regulations will still apply. We anticipate more residential streaming platforms to expand into the commercial space in the coming year, creating various new opportunities for bars and restaurants around the country.
Don’t Let Matinee Times Stray You Away
Matinee events are here to stay this year. While some bar and restaurant owners may see this as a challenge, it actually provides a unique opportunity. With the right approach, these events can turn into valuable occasions to draw in crowds and boost revenue.
In fact, one of the most exciting opportunities lies in the world of boxing, a sport that’s rapidly expanding its global presence and redefining how fans engage with events. More boxing matches are being held in international hotspots, like Saudi Arabia and Dubai. These events often span the course of six to eight hours, creating an all-day spectacle for fans.
If your bar or restaurant typically opens later in the day, don’t worry! By the time you’re set to serve your first customers, the main card will likely just be getting underway. These headliner matchups are the big draw, and your customers will stay longer to watch them. Events like these are perfect opportunities to fill seats for hours at a time, driving increased revenue from food and drink orders throughout the day. So don’t let early event start times discourage you. Capitalize on the global appeal and bring excitement to your establishment.
Turn Off-Peak Hours Into Your Next Bottom Line Booster
Why let off-peak hours go to waste when you could turn them into opportunities? Instead of showing the news or talk shows, subscribe to ESPN+ for Business and get access to approximately 250 live sports events per month.
By creating a consistent sports-first environment, even during slower hours, you’re giving customers another reason to visit your establishment and stay longer. Fill the gaps in your content schedule and have your customers enjoy a more dynamic experience – it’s a win-win!
Upcoming Events to Keep on Your Radar
2025 is already stacked with unmissable events that can help you drive traffic and boost revenue. Whether it’s highly-anticipated championship fights, UFC Pay-Per-Views, or exclusive games only on ESPN+ for Business, these events offer endless opportunities to create buzz and bring customers through your doors.
Head to our website to explore the upcoming events calendar and start planning your 2025 live sports lineup!
Last But Not Least, Get A Competitive Edge
As the landscape for commercial content partnerships evolves, it’s more important than ever to offer your customers exclusive sports experiences they can’t get anywhere else. That’s where we come in. With more than 50 years of experience, Joe Hand Promotions knows what it takes to help your bar or restaurant thrive. Whether it’s Pay-Per-View boxing, UFC, wrestling, or other high-demand events, we provide the best content, marketing assets, and barfinder tools to ensure your success.
Connect with us at 1-800-557-4263 to speak with one of our sales professionals to get started!