GSIQ Insight

Week 1 of the NRL Finals smashed all previous records, reaching 6.7 million viewers across four games. The Broncos v Raiders golden-point thriller alone drew over 2 million, while the Storm v Bulldogs match reached 1.7 million. That’s a 20% jump on last year’s figures — confirming the NRL’s soaring popularity.

GSIQ experts reveal what it takes to land a billion-pound kit deal — from brand power and longevity to efficiencies, confidence, and the people behind it.

You may have already seen the headlines of the latest Women’s Sport Trust’s Visibility Report, which GSIQ helped to present this week. The main takeaways are about unprecedented digital growth coupled with a decline in linear broadcast figures. But at GSIQ, our approach is to look beyond the headlines and provide clients with nuanced analysis. Here are five observations that stood out to us at GSIQ in reviewing the latest WST Visibility Report:

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When we started GSIQ it was because, with our decades of combined experience, we knew we could do more for rightsholders and brands. We knew we could be more useful, innovate better, serve more quickly. And we were frustrated when that wasn’t possible.

As the ROSHN Saudi League (Saudi Pro League or “SPL”) embarks on what could be its most pivotal season yet, the spotlight extends beyond star signings to the broader transformation of Saudi football. Strategic investments and privatisation efforts are reshaping the landscape, offering brands fresh opportunities in MENA's growing sports market. This season could be key in defining the future of Saudi football.

India faces England this week in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final, highlighting South Asia's growing influence in sports. The tournament has been thrilling and global, with significant interest from Indian and Pakistani fans driving its success. The IPL, with its lucrative broadcast deals and investments, remains one of the world's richest sports leagues, continuing to grow and dominate in India after 17 seasons.

Sport is undergoing massive changes amid economic uncertainty and evolving audience behaviours. Traditional commercial models are under strain, and media disruptions are reshaping the rights market. As fan preferences diversify, sports organizations must seek innovative ways to build and monetize communities.