The NFL and NBA have long been two of the most prominent sports leagues in the United States, captivating audiences for decades. However, recent trends indicate that these leagues are experiencing significant declines in viewership ratings, and the rise of anime may be a contributing factor. A survey conducted by the popular streaming platform Crunchyroll reveals that anime is gaining traction, captivating a new generation of fans and potentially overshadowing these traditional American sports.

Millennial and Gen Z audiences are embracing anime in unprecedented numbers, opting to engage with animated series over major sports leagues. This shift may come as a surprise to those unaware of the remarkable evolution and improvement in anime quality over recent years. The reasons for this surge in popularity are multifaceted and highlight a growing disconnect between younger viewers and traditional sports, suggesting that if this trend continues, anime could soon reign supreme.

The Decline of Major Sports Leagues in Popularity

How Anime Is Captivating Fans Away from the NFL, NBA, and Other Major Sports

Major American sports leagues such as the MLB, NFL, and others are experiencing unprecedented lows in their viewership numbers. Several factors contribute to this decline, with one of the most significant being the apparent indifference of Gen Z viewers compared to older generations. While Millennials exhibit a reduced interest in sports relative to Gen X, Gen Z audience members are showing a markedly sharper decrease in engagement with traditional sports.

The MLB has attempted to revamp its rules to attract more viewers; however, these efforts have largely failed to resonate with younger audiences. Generation Z seems less inclined to engage with major American sports, regardless of any changes made to the rules. Instead of tuning in to watch the Rangers face off against the Orioles for the umpteenth time, they are captivated by extraordinary anime series like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and many others.

Why Major American Sports Leagues Have Become More Difficult to Watch

The Impact of Streaming on Accessibility: Sports vs. Anime

Initially, streaming was anticipated to revolutionize the viewing experience for fans, and in many respects, it has. Viewers now have the flexibility to watch their favorite content on-demand, at their convenience. Yet, paradoxically, sports have become more challenging to view than ever before. The promise of streaming was to enhance access to the best local and national teams, but it appears to have done the opposite.

For instance, a fan wishing to catch all 82 games of their favorite NBA team often finds themselves needing subscriptions to various streaming platforms or navigating a complicated package through their cable provider. This frustrating and costly situation is driving fans away from their beloved sports and discouraging new audiences from joining the ranks of sports enthusiasts.

In stark contrast, anime is thriving across various major streaming platforms, including Netflix and Disney+, which offer a plethora of high-quality anime without any additional fees. Crunchyroll, the leading anime streaming service in the United States, provides viewers with access to an extensive library of remarkable anime series that is difficult to quantify. Furthermore, their subscription plans do not exceed $20 per month, making it an affordable option for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant world of anime.

The Growing Trend of Collaborations Between Major Sports Teams and Anime

Embracing Anime: A Strategic Move for Sports Teams

In an interesting turn of events, major American sports teams are beginning to collaborate with anime franchises, as exemplified by the recent partnership between the Texas Rangers and Jujutsu Kaisen. These collaborations extend beyond the realm of sports; for instance, the iconic Dragon Ball Super recently partnered with a well-known fast-food chain in France, while Universal Studios has incorporated One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen into its attractions.

Anime’s popularity is at an all-time high, and it seems that everyone is eager to partake in the art form’s burgeoning success. According to recent data, Gen Z viewers currently rank the Olympics, FIFA, UEFA, and the NBA higher than anime, but given the rapid ascent of anime’s popularity in the West, this ranking may soon shift.

Anime is no longer a niche interest, nor is it something that individuals feel compelled to keep private. According to a report from Crunchyroll, 42% of anime fans enjoy watching their favorite series alongside friends, and 40% of anime enthusiasts have formed friendships online that revolve around their shared passion for anime. This strong sense of community and connection only serves to bolster the popularity of anime, suggesting that its influence will continue to grow exponentially.