League Sports Co’s Post

Sport is now entering an era where new commercial strategies can pay off. As digital engagement in sport increases, new opportunities are appearing for sports organisations, particularly those at the lower end of the pyramid. Adopting the right commercial strategies can help those organisations unlock growth and increase revenues in three key areas: 🔊Media New digital platforms are creating demand for new media content, while innovations in broadcast services are making production cheaper and more accessible. 🏅Matchday & merchandising Matchday and merchandising are the revenue streams organisations can most directly control. Data-driven marketing, to target and tailor messages to particular fan segments, can drive growth in these revenues. 💰Sponsorship Sponsorship is beginning to take over as the major driver of revenue growth and brands increasingly see the value of sports marketing. Fans have deep emotional connections with their teams which offer big opportunities for brand amplification, particularly when aligned with effective targeting. In this insights piece from CIL’s Media practice, we examine how technology is creating opportunities for lower tier sports and how the implications of these new models on commercial strategies. #CILInsights #Media #Sports #Marketing #DigitalEngagement

The Business Model of Sports ⚽️ : A Global 🌎 Perspective. In the modern era, sports 🏉 are much more than just games—they are a thriving global industry. The business model of sports 🏏 involves a complex interplay of revenue streams, stakeholder management, and strategic growth. 1. Broadcasting Rights 📺 : Major sporting ⚽️ events attract massive audiences, making broadcasting rights a lucrative source of income. Networks and streaming platforms bid high amounts to secure the rights to broadcast games live. Sponsorship and Advertising: Corporations invest heavily in sports sponsorships and advertising, leveraging the global reach of popular sports to promote their brands. From stadium naming rights to jersey sponsorships, the opportunities are vast. 2. Ticket Sales and Merchandising 🎟️ : Live events draw millions of fans, generating significant revenue through ticket sales. Additionally, merchandising—from jerseys to memorabilia—provides a steady income stream. 3. Digital and Social Media 📱 : The rise of digital platforms has opened new revenue channels through content creation, social media partnerships, and direct-to-consumer models like subscription services. 4. Leagues and Governing Bodies 🏦: Organizations like the NFL, FIFA, and the IOC oversee the regulations, schedules, and overall governance of sports leagues and events, ensuring fair play and competitive balance. 5. Teams and Franchises 🧑🤝🧑: Teams operate as individual businesses within larger leagues, focusing on both athletic performance and financial sustainability. They invest in player development, coaching, and facilities to remain competitive. 6. Athletes 🏃♂️ : Professional athletes are the stars of the show. Their contracts, endorsements, and personal brands are critical components of the sports business model. 7. Fans 🥳: The passionate fan base is the lifeblood of sports. Engaging and growing this audience through fan experiences, community events, and interactive platforms is crucial for sustained success. 8. Market Penetration 🏪: Sports organizations continuously seek to expand their global footprint. This involves hosting games in new markets, forming international partnerships, and tailoring marketing strategies to diverse audiences. 9. Youth Development and Academies 🏏 📚 : Investing in youth sports programs and academies helps cultivate talent worldwide and fosters a deeper connection with the sport from an early age. 10. Technology and Innovation 🤖 : Embracing technology—from VR experiences to advanced analytics—enhances the fan experience and provides new avenues for engagement and entertainment. #SportsBusiness #GlobalSports #SportsManagement #RevenueStreams #FanEngagement #SportsInnovation

The use of brands and company names in sports stadiums is a common #marketing #strategy that benefits both sports teams and brands. For teams, this can mean additional revenue through sponsorship agreements and partnerships with companies. On the other hand, brands can increase their visibility and recognition by associating themselves with popular sports teams and events. This not only provides exposure for the brand during sports events but also reaches television and online audiences when games are broadcasted. Additionally, teams and brands can collaborate on joint promotions and brand activations both inside and outside the stadium to increase fan and consumer engagement. #marketingstrategy #mutualbenefit

Recently, the NBA made headlines securing a remarkable $76 billion media deal. This deal represents one of the largest in sports broadcasting, underlining NBA's leadership in the media landscape. Unquestionably, this move will usher in unprecedented change in the sports marketing ecosystem. For Warner Bros. Discovery, this strategic deal grants entry into the exciting world of sports broadcasting. They will have access to an extensive catalog of sports content, offering opportunities to target untapped markets. Moreover, this venture signals the intensified competition with streaming behemoths, pushing WBD into becoming a leader in the sports media arena. On another note, the impact for the Women's National Basketball Association

Competition for audience attention in sports broadcasting is reaching new heights. We’re seeing big media deals come together from industry giants including CNN, Netflix, and NBC. CNBC's recent move to ramp up its sports-business coverage with "CNBC Sport" will be focused entirely on the intersection of sport and business. This new vertical will offer in-depth analysis, valuations, and insights into sports franchises, helping investors navigate this fast-moving market. This development is important for a few reasons:  + With "CNBC Sport," business leaders will gain unprecedented access to strategic insights into the sports industry. The in-depth analysis will help identify emerging trends and investment opportunities within the rapidly evolving sector. + Accurate valuations of sports franchises and related businesses are crucial for informed investment decisions. CNBC's dedicated focus will provide valuable data and expert evaluations. + The sports market is dynamic, with constant changes in media rights, sponsorship deals, and fan engagement strategies. This new coverage will assist executives in staying ahead of the curve. + For those at the helm of sports enterprises, having access to comprehensive and reliable information is critical. The nuanced understanding of the sports-business landscape can drive more accurate insight, effective leadership and strategic planning. As the intersection of sports and business continues to grow, platforms like "CNBC Sport" are becoming invaluable resources for those looking to stay attuned to industry dynamics.  https://lnkd.in/gVU65DsD

Anyone who know me knows I have been around the sponsorship world for decades. You know that my first company advised brands on sponsorship strategy. You also know I like to question the status quo and shake things up with provocative ideas and new ways of doing things (or sometime new old ways). If you’d like a stimulating debate on the question below, let’s schdule a call (or preferable a meeting). Something good is bound to come from it. #sponsorship #sportssponsorship #sportsmarketing

As the costs of sports sponsorships grow, brands are finding innovative ways to reach fans and maximize ROI - expanding beyond professional men's sports into women's leagues, collegiate arenas, and the grassroots level of youth sports. It’s not just about cost-effectiveness; it's a reflection of brands seeking deeper, more authentic connections with their audiences. By aligning with platforms that resonate with community values, family engagement, and emerging talent, brands are redefining and broadening the scope of sports sponsorships. Thanks Association of National Advertisers for letting me share this perspective. See you at #ANAMasters!

Ever feel like there’s more to sports than just the final score? It’s because there is. The real game-changers are happening off the field, in the business stats that most fans don’t even see. Curious about what’s really driving the sports industry forward this season? As we head into the upcoming sports seasons, there are some fascinating stats that could change the way we all think about the game. Sure, we’ll all be watching the scores and standings, but the real action might be happening off the field. Here’s what you should keep an eye on: Sponsorship Revenues: With brands pouring more money into sports sponsorships than ever before, the ROI on these deals is becoming a key metric. Watch how brands shift their spending—especially with digital engagement taking center stage. Fan Engagement Metrics: It’s no longer just about how many people are in the stands. Now, teams and leagues are hyper-focused on digital engagement. Social media interactions, streaming viewership, and even eSports tie-ins are becoming critical indicators of a sport’s success. Athlete Endorsement Deals: The power of athletes as brands themselves is skyrocketing. We’re seeing more athletes leveraging their platforms to create personal brands that go beyond the game. Tracking the rise of new endorsement deals, especially in emerging markets, will be key. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Impact: For college sports, the NIL deals are completely changing the game. These deals are not just giving athletes new revenue streams; they’re altering recruitment strategies and even impacting team dynamics. The ripple effects are worth watching closely. These aren’t just stats—they’re signals of where the sports industry is heading. For businesses and investors, understanding these trends will be crucial to staying ahead in the game. So, as you watch the highlights this season, remember that the real story might just be in the data. #SportsBusiness #SportsIndustry #SportsMarketing #FanEngagement #Sponsorship #AthleteBranding #SportsAnalytics #NILDeals #SportsTech

The Digital Revolution in Sports Media: Insights Amidst the Olympics 🏹 As we dive into the excitement of the ongoing International Olympic Committee – IOC, it's clear that sports consumption is undergoing a rapid transformation. The rise of digital platforms and direct-to-consumer models is reshaping how fans engage with sports content, challenging traditional regional sports networks (RSNs) along the way. Key insights from PwC's latest analysis reveal: • 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Streaming services are redefining the way we experience sports, reflecting a shift away from conventional viewing habits. • 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀: National sports rights values are on the rise, while regional rights face potential declines, prompting strategic reassessment in revenue strategies. • 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Adapting to this digital revolution demands harnessing data for enhanced fan engagement and exploring new revenue avenues. In this dynamic era, navigating change is pivotal! Explore more insights on how these transformations are shaping the sports industry amidst the backdrop of the Olympics💡 #sportstech #digitaltransformation #olympics #sportsmedia #mediacoverage #fanengagement #sportsstreaming #digitalplatforms

Fusing Goodwill with Efficiency in Sports Sponsorships 🎯 The debate between sports sponsorship and advertising often overlooks a key point: both aim to help partners reach their goals, usually to sell more products or gain more customers. The Superpowers: Goodwill: Sports sponsorship leverages fans' excitement and loyalty, creating a deep connection that brands can tap into. Efficiency: Advertising focuses on reaching the right audience with precision and real-time analytics, something traditional sponsorship often needs to improve. The Hybrid Approach: To succeed, sports teams must combine the goodwill of sponsorship with the efficiency of modern advertising. This means: - Understanding where and how your fans consume content. - Creating sponsorship packages that offer both brand association and measurable ROI. - Utilizing digital activations to enhance the efficiency of traditional assets. By doing so, teams can provide a compelling value proposition that stands out in today’s competitive landscape. #Sponsorship #SportsMarketing #Advertising #FanEngagement #DigitalStrategy