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The time has come to digitally revolutionize the sports in terms of how we play? how we watch? and how we follow? SportsTech as a buzzword has gained popularity in the recent years. As we see in the graph below, the weight of the SportsTech search term has increased significantly post the CoVID pandemic. It is expected that the SportsTech industry will reach at a marketsize of whopping 48.7 billion USD by the end of 2028 making it a segment that is expected to draw huge investment moving forward.

SportsTech is an umbrella term that includes variety of transformations in the area of sports. In context to this blog, we are going to explore a segment that allows the users to access live information about the sports on the go i.e. Live score app like the AFL App. Ideally, ** the cost of developing the AFL App like livescore app will cost between 9,000 USD to 28,000 USD ** depending on the factors involved and the features to be included in the app. We will discuss each of these in detail in this blog.

What is a livescore app like the AFL App?

AFL App needs no introduction, especially to the readers who are from Australia and who follow the Australian Football League avidly. AFL has been played for almost 150 years now and is undoubtedly the most followed league in Australia. A livescore app like the AFL App, is a mobile app developed with a view to keep the sports enthusiasts aware about the live happenings in the match. It not only provides real-time scores as the name suggests but, also keeps the users updated about the recent news, transfers, upcoming matches in a league. These apps act a single point communication tool to all the followers of the sport.

Features of the AFL App like Livescore app

A livescore app like the AFL App can include diverse feature set. Every company developing a livescore app has a unique offering which differs from case to case basis. However, for the followers of the sport, they expect a certain set of features from any livescore app. Let us explore some of the basic set of features first before we dive into the exclusive feature ideas.

Basic feature set of the live score app like the AFL App:

- Live Scores

Provides live score updates of ongoing matches like AFL livescores. This is essential for users to stay informed without having to stream or watch the game live. It refreshes quickly to reflect any in-game changes. Mobile apps also offer the widget option for live scores saving the user’s time for opening the app.

- Match Schedules and Fixtures

Displays upcoming matches with dates, times, and venues. It helps users plan their viewing and stay updated about their favorite team’s schedule. Users are also provided with an option to mark a particular fixture and set a reminder for the same or create a calendar event to be reminded before the game.

- Team and Player Profiles

Offers detailed information about teams and players, such as recent performance stats, historical records, and player bios. This feature enhances user engagement by allowing fans to learn more about their favorite players.

- Match Highlights

Provides a recap of the important moments in the game, like goals, penalties, or significant events. Users who missed the live match can still catch up on the key moments. The highlights can also include the summary of how each even happened for the users to create an imaginary view of the event.

- Push Notifications

Sends real-time alerts about key events like match start times, goals, and score changes. This feature ensures users stay connected even when they’re not actively using the app.

- Match Commentary

Text-based or audio commentary that gives users a play-by-play update, adding more detail beyond just the scores.

- News and updates

A blog like feature where the users are informed about the recent news in the league. The news can be regarding a particular team, player, or league as a whole. This feature keeps them informed about the happenings in the ecosystem.

Let us look into some of the advanced and bespoke features as well.

- Live Streaming

Allows users to watch matches directly within the app. This feature requires significant bandwidth and streaming infrastructure but offers maximum engagement for fans who prefer watching the match in real time. Live streaming is the best feature to monetize the app.Integrating an OTT solution can further enhance streaming quality, scalability, and monetization options.

- Personalization

Users can personalize their app experience by selecting their favorite teams, players, or leagues. They receive customized updates and notifications based on their preferences.

- Ticket Booking Integration

Allows users to buy tickets for upcoming matches directly from the app. This convenience encourages users to attend live games.

- AR/VR Experiences

Some livescore apps offer augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) features that enhance the fan experience. For example, users could view a match in a 3D setting or interact with virtual match highlights.

- Multi-language Support

Providing support for multiple languages can help reach a broader global audience, especially for international sports.

- Fantasy League

Users create their own virtual teams composed of real-life players from various sports leagues. These virtual teams compete based on the real-world performance of the players in actual matches. Users earn points based on how their selected players perform in the real games - whether they score goals, make assists, save goals, etc. Explore about the Fantasy leauge apps and the cost for developing a fantasy league app. It is a topic in it’s own to ponder upon.

Looking for developing a Livescore app like AFL app? Connect with Nimblechapps today! **Contact us **

Monetization strategies of a live score app like the AFL App

While you have planned to develop a livescore app which usually as a free set of features on offer to cope up with the competition with other apps, there are various monetization strategies that can be implemented.

- In-App advertisements

One of the most common monetization methods is displaying ads within the app. These can be banner ads, video ads, or sponsored content. Your potential clients for such ads can be the teams in the league, spotswear brands, sports drink brands, and any other brand who is related to that sport.

- Subscription model

A monthly or annual subscription model for the users of the app where basic features are included in the freemium package and the advanced features are included in the subscription package.

- Affiliate marketing and partnerships

Partnering with sports merchandise stores, betting platforms, or sports news outlets to promote their products or services within the app. Earning commissions when users click affiliate links to buy tickets, merchandise, or subscribe to streaming services.

- Sponsored content

Working with brands or sports organizations to sponsor certain sections of the app. Featuring particular matches as “sponsored,” where brands or advertisers get visibility through the match's coverage. Sponsored content in specific sections like “Match Highlights powered by [Brand].”

- Tickets and merchandize sales

Allowing users to purchase tickets for upcoming matches directly through the app, earning a commission on each sale. Partnering with sports gear companies to sell official team merchandise (jerseys, caps, etc.) through the app.

- Data monetization

Sell anonymized user data or usage insights to sports organizations, advertisers, or brands for market research. This strategy required a consent from the users that their data can be further users for marketing and analytical purpose. This is a ‘handle-with-care’ monetization strategy.

The monetizations strategies are not limited to aforementioned. You can choose the strategy that suits your app the best knowing your audience and geography.

Cost of developing a livescore app like the AFL App

The cost of developing a livescore app like the AFL App depends on the various combinations of the features and monetization strategies you would want to include in the app. While we explored the features of a livescore app like the AFL mobile App and the monetization strategies above, let’s explore the cost you will incur in developing the app.

Country
Features included
Cost Range



Basic features
Live scores, league schedule, upcoming matches, hightligts, reminders, commenty, players information, news/updates, push notifications.
9,000 USD - 12,000 USD



Advance features
Basic features + personalization, [ticket booking](https://www.nimblechapps.com/case-study/rizztix), merchandize shopping, multi-language support, monetization.
12,000 USD - 20,000 USD



Exclusive features
Advance features + Fantasy league, Live Streaming, AR/VR integration, AI integration
20,000 USD - 28,000 USD

Factors affecting the cost of developing the AFL App like livescore app

Ideally, the cost of developing a livescore app like the AFL App ranges from 9,000 USD to 28,000 USD ** depending on the features that are chosen to be included. However, there are other factors as well which contribute in estimating the costs. Let’s explore some of those in detail.

- Location of the company

Let’s understand this factor with the help of a table which is self explanatory.

Country
Hourly rates [USD]



USA
78$ - 110$



UK
65$ - 88$



Australia
53$ - 75$



Europe
68$ - 99$



Middle East
34$ - 51$



Nimblechapps Pvt. Ltd. [ India ]
19$ - 25$

The cost can vary greatly depending on the company's location. As shown in the table above, hourly rates differ by region. A top custom app development company in India would charge roughly 1/4th of what you would pay to a company in the USA, the UK, or other parts of the world.

- Choice of the frontend technology

Selecting the right front-end technology is a crucial factor when estimating the cost of a livescore mobile app like the AFL App. Native technologies such as Kotlin, Swift, and Objective-C typically cost more compared to cross-platform options like React Native, Flutter, Ionic, Angular, and others. As a leading Flutter app development company, we recommend opting for cross-platform or hybrid technologies.

- Choice of the backend technology

Just as selecting the right front-end is crucial, having a strong backend technology is equally important for your app. As leading Node.js consultants, we recommend choosing NodeJS, which is currently popular and integrates smoothly with ReactJS and other JavaScript libraries/frameworks. Alternatively, you can opt for Python as a backend solution. However, NodeJS tends to be more cost-effective than Python, as Python is considered a more specialized technology.

- Third party service integration

Integation of the third party services like OTP, payment gateways, livescore API, and other also add to the cost of the mobile app development. Some of these third party services are free to moderate in terms of cost but, more premium ones can take upto 50 USD to 500 USD per month depending on your requirements and usage.

- Features of the App

As we saw above in the table how various set of features can affect the cost of developing an App like AFL App, it is essential to map out which features would you want to include in the app. Based on the set of features to be included, the costs may vary.

- Server and Hosting

As you might want to include the livestream, match highlights, podcasts, and other hosting sensitive features which might require a quality server and hosting facility like heroku and alternatives to heroku, the cost of server and hosting too is added which is an operation expense rather than a one time expense for developing the app.

Conclusion

The rise of SportsTech has transformed how sports are played, watched, and followed, with live score apps like the AFL App becoming an essential tool for fans. These apps offer real-time updates, news, match highlights, and more, enhancing the user experience. With an estimated cost of $9,000 to $28,000 depending on features, location, and technology, developing a livescore app presents an exciting opportunity for developers and investors alike, especially as the SportsTech industry continues to grow rapidly. Connect with a mobile app development company that can not only provide you with development service but, be a technology partner in a proactive way.