Nielsen Sports extends partnership as Official Research Partner for the Sport Industry Report 2026
Nielsen Sports, the global leader in sponsorship analytics, valuation, and fan intelligence, has renewed its role as Official Research Partner to Sport Industry Group’s (SIG) annual trends report, following the success of the inaugural 2025 edition earlier this year.
The renewed partnership with SIG will see Nielsen Sports deliver the proprietary research, data, and insight that form the backbone of the report. The partnership combines Nielsen Sports’ robust market intelligence with expert commentary from the sector, tackling the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping UK sport.
Combining a landmark study from Nielsen Sports with essential thought leadership and contributions from industry experts across key verticals that are reshaping UK sport, the Sport Industry Report 2026 aims to spark discussion around the emerging challenges, attitudes and trends that will define the next 12 months and arm senior executives with the ability to make better decisions in the year ahead.
Dylan Pugh, Managing Director at SIG, said, “I am delighted to announce the extension of SIG’s relationship with Nielsen Sports. The first edition of the Sport Industry Report uncovered some fascinating insights into the current state of the industry and the challenges and opportunities facing organisations operating within it.
With Nielsen Sports back on board as our Official Research Partner, I am certain the Report will once again prove itself be an unmissable resource.
Andy Milnes, UK & Ireland Market Leader at Nielsen Sports, added, “2025 has been a defining year for sport, from record-breaking women’s events to breakthrough commercial models across sponsorship, broadcast and digital platforms. As we look ahead to 2026, the global spotlight will turn to the FIFA World Cup, the Milano Winter Olympics, and a packed calendar of domestic and international competition.
Our continued partnership with SIG means we can equip the industry with the evidence, context and foresight it needs to capitalise on these opportunities and navigate what promises to be another transformative year for UK sport.
The Sport Industry Report 2026 will be published in early January and available as both a physical handbook delivered to organisations across the country and as a free digital download. The report’s publication will also coincide with an invite-only launch event hosted at EY’s London Office in January.
As part of its commitment to producing a resource ‘for the industry, by the industry’, SIG is inviting the sports business community to submit topics and questions for consideration in this year’s research.
