For clubs like Geylang and Tanjong Pagar United, the same diehard regulars keep showing up.
“I still see the same abang, same uncles still in the stands,” said Noor Ali, using the Malay term for a brother.
Youth coach and former striker Indra Sahdan, now at Tanjong Pagar, said loyal supporters remain. But attracting new ones is the challenge, added Noor Ali.
“It’s very hard (for the new fans) to buy in right now. A lot of effort has been put in but even if you give free tickets, they still don’t come.”
Football Association of Singapore (FAS) general secretary Badri Ghent said the league must adapt to “global consumption trends”.
“Match day attendance is just one factor that we look at, and it’s always something that we want to improve. But at the same time, when you look at consumption trends … some just maybe will watch match highlights, they are invested, they are in the know of things, but they may not want to watch games (in person),” he said.
“The responsibility is on the FAS and on the club not just to serve the existing community and the existing audience, but to expand that base as well.”
The association is working with clubs to improve the match day experience, and is investing in broadcast, Badri added.
FAS said stadium attendance has remained stable while total league consumption has expanded significantly – driven by a 28 per cent rise in average YouTube viewership for SPL and Singapore Cup matches, and a 24 per cent increase on meWATCH from the 2023 to the 2024/25 season.
“Fan engagement with the Singapore Premier League is increasingly happening off-site, reflecting broader shifts toward flexible, on-demand viewing,” FAS said.