Poll: Lionesses’ Euro win voted greatest TV sporting moment

The England Lionesses’ victory at the Euro 2022 tournament has been voted the best live sporting moment on TV in the last 20 years in a poll carried out by Everyone TV, the organisation behind the Freely streaming service, which is backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

The survey of 2,000 sports fans also celebrated other unforgettable moments, including 16-year-old Luke Littler’s stunning performance at the 2023 World Darts Championship, Leicester City’s shock 2016 Premier League victory, Andy Murray’s Wimbledon triumphs in 2013 and 2016, and England’s dramatic 2019 World Cup victory against New Zealand.

Over the past five years, 48% said they watched more women’s sports — with men slightly more likely to say so (51% compared to 46% of women).

Amy Rowcliffe, Marketing Director at Everyone TV said: “The Lionesses’ Euro win was truly iconic and memorable. It absolutely deserves to be at the top of this list. To see so many people watching more women’s sport is incredible and with the Lionesses taking the top spot, it just shows how influential they have become.”

Furthermore, in keeping with the principle behind Freely that everyone should have access to great quality free TV, regardless of location or income, a significant majority (almost 8 in 10) stressed the importance of keeping major sporting events free for everyone on TV.

Rowcliffe added: “People love watching live sporting events on TV and agree that they should remain free for everyone. Being able to watch these global events live and free, as well as stream them on-demand, all in one place, means you won’t have to miss a moment of your favourite sporting events.”

On average, sports fans spend 172 hours a year watching live sports on TV, more than a week of uninterrupted viewing. With Freely, sports enthusiasts can enjoy some of the world’s best sporting events, including the Olympics, Paralympics, Euros, Wimbledon and more, all for free.

Survey respondents also highlighted the convenience of watching sports at home, with football (62 per cent) being the favourite sport to watch at home, followed by tennis (33 per cent), athletics (26 per cent) and Formula 1 (25 per cent). When it comes to the variety of sports watched, the average is two per week – but those aged 25-34 watch the biggest mix overall, with 18 per cent of them enjoying four different sports weekly.

More than half (54 percent) reported being open to watching different types of sport on TV, with almost a third (30 percent) having been inspired to take up a sport after watching an iconic sporting moment on TV. The study also found that almost four in 10 (36 percent) would like to watch more live sport on TV.

Respondents believe iconic sporting moments happen when an underdog wins (31%), is a record-breaking achievement (29%) and has historical significance (28%), with 72% saying sports commentary is essential to creating these legendary occasions.

Around 70% think it’s important to watch iconic sporting moments as they happen — and 59% said it’s for the added thrill of not knowing the outcome.

Finally, respondents voted Usain Bolt, Lionel Messi and Lewis Hamilton as the greatest athletes of the last two decades.