LiveScore is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary and as part of those celebrations has released the ‘Evolution of Fan’ report. 

This is a report that has looked back on the past 25 years of football fandom and how things have changed, especially in the context of technological advances, showcasing data from nearly 25,000 football fans. 

The basis of the report looks at how fans have become more connected to the teams and players that matter most to them, especially with the increased number of ways to consume content, including through social media and increased broadcasters and streaming providers. 

A timeline is seen throughout the report to encapsulate the emergence of the internet, technological advances, changes in fan culture, the matchday experience and iconic moments within football. 

Highlighting how football consumption has changed, the report states that 93% of fans feel social media has enhanced their fan experience; and 84% of fans feel more connected to their favourite teams since the emergence of instant score updates. 

LiveScore Group CEO Sam Sadi said: “Thanks to LiveScore’s loyal users, we have been able to uncover some fascinating insights of how fans have enjoyed their favourite sport over the last quarter-century, and how technology has guided habits, accessibility and passion. 

“The Evolution of Fan report is not only a nostalgic and future-facing read for fans in equal measure but also offers insights to advertisers, brands and industry peers on how they can leverage the fan experience to reach and connect with a huge audience of engaged football fans.” 

In our upcoming Sports Betting Focus magazine, there will be a feature delving deeper into this report from LiveScore, looking closer at the findings from it. 

In other related news, sports betting operator Paddy Power has announced that it is paying out early on Sheffield United to be relegated from the Premier League, after the team's stark 6-0 defeat to Arsenal on Monday.