Serie A, the top-tier football league in Italy, has seen a resurgence in popularity among fans despite a decline in the value of its domestic TV deals. The league recently secured a $977 million per-year domestic deal with DAZN to broadcast matches from 2024 to 2029, down from the previous $1 billion per-year agreement.
Despite the decrease in TV revenue, Serie A has experienced a significant increase in stadium attendance. The average attendance for Serie A matches currently stands at 30,913, making it the third-highest among Europe's top five leagues. This marks a substantial leap from a decade ago when the average attendance was only 23,331.
The renewed interest in Serie A matches can be attributed to the absence of fans from stadiums during the pandemic, which reignited their passion for live football experiences. The desire to be part of the vibrant atmosphere in Italian stadiums, known for their spectacle and passion, has driven fans back to the arenas in record numbers.
However, the Italian government faces pressure to support stadium development projects to accommodate the growing fan base. Many Serie A clubs are struggling to upgrade their facilities, with only a few, like Atalanta, making progress in expanding their stadiums. The need for modern, comfortable seating and improved facilities is evident, as most stadiums in Italy are outdated and lack modern amenities.
With Italy set to co-host Euro 2032, there is a sense of urgency for the government to ease regulations and support stadium construction projects. The pressure is mounting on authorities to facilitate the development of new arenas to enhance the fan experience and meet the demands of a growing audience.
