Fan Engagement
Features
MLB looks for audience lift in reformatted Draft
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic helped lead to a dramatic reduction in the number of rounds for the MLB Draft. But the league and its media partners are still hoping for lift among a competition-starved fan base
Asian football fan clubs cry out for live digital experiences during shutdown
SportBusiness speaks to Asian fan clubs of European football teams to see what they made of their favourite teams' efforts to keep them engaged during the pandemic.
Charles Schwab ready to seize its moment in spotlight as PGA Tour makes return
Multi-national financial services company will gain huge reach as the title sponsor of the first event back on the PGA Tour in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, writes Bob Williams
Jason Thomas | How can sports engage fans now for a successful return
The arrival of Covid-19 has hit the events industry hard, but sports are poised to make a big comeback – with or without fans physically present.
Asian e-commerce live streams attract early-mover sports properties
Ecommerce live streams are a growing phenomenon in online retail in Asia, and sports businesses are starting to dip their toes in the water.
Extreme E turns to virtual reality hospitality experience
Electric SUV off-road racing series Extreme E has unveiled its plans for providing a virtual hospitality experience for its races
Returning crowds for Super Rugby Aotearoa will bring welcome cash injection
The opening games of the planned mini-series between New Zealand’s five Super Rugby teams are heading for substantial attendances.
LeagueApps, Famer strike youth sports partnership
Digitally focused companies to integrate content, back-end functions
Round-Up: Tokyo governor’s Olympic worry, Sydney wants Fury fight, Saudi to sponsor virtual Le Mans, and more
The governor of Tokyo has questioned whether the Olympic Games can go ahead next year without an international deal on travel and quarantine
Iconic Strat-O-Matic games find new lift during pandemic
Venerable maker of sports simulation games has seen a strong resurgence amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Eric Fisher reports.
How the Covid lockdown is redrawing international federations’ content strategies
Without live events, international federations are being forced to innovate with their fan engagement strategies. Adam Nelson reports.
USA Weightlifting’s woes paint familiar picture for Olympic NGBs
US Olympic national governing body has suffered declining revenues and membership numbers since the onset of the health crisis but large financial reserves coupled with a move to put competitions and coaching courses onto digital platforms have stemmed losses.
Education technology company Everfi sees growing opportunity in sports
A wide array of major sports properties, both in and out of the US, have relied on DC-based outfit to engage students of many ages. Everfi co-founder and president of global partnerships Jon Chapman speaks with US Editor Eric Fisher on the company's work with the sports industry and the new EduCup Challenge
Fiorentina’s Joe Barone on Covid-19: Uncertainty and a lack of protocol is tough to deal with
In part one of a three-part interview, Joe Barone, director general of Italian Serie A club Fiorentina, discusses the challenges of running a club in lockdown, the accelerated focus on going digital, the…
Pair of small US towns suffer heavy blow from loss of marquee baseball events
The cancellation of the Baseball Hall of Fame's Induction Weekend and the Little League World Series this summer are leaving big economic holes in the small communities that play host to the marquee events.
Gareth Balch – Sport set for a New World Order as the biggest and most innovative emerge stronger from pandemic
Covid-19's brutal impact on the global sports economy is forcing the pace of necessary change according to Two Circles chief executive Gareth Balch, who believes that while some properties will go to the…
MLB makes big ticketing shift with new refund policy
The league makes a historic shift to allow refunds on games lost to Covid-19, creating widespread ripple effects across the industry. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
Umberto Gandini – Fear is a major factor among decision-makers
Part two of our video interview with Umberto Gandini, senior Italian sports business and administration figure and president of Lega Basket
“Remote production is extremely difficult” | Inside the NHL Player Gaming Challenge
The NHL will this week become the latest major sports organization to launch a players-only esports competition in an attempt to stay relevant and keep fans engaged. Bob Williams reports.
Nascar begins to expand audience with iRacing Pro Invitational Series
Nascar's newly developed iRacing Pro Invitational Series after several initial races is proving to be a powerful tool in reaching fans who had not previously followed the organization.
NBA H-O-R-S-E competition proves mixed success due to “unique” logistical challenges
Individual shooting competition was a bold and innovative attempt to stage a rare non-esports competition to keep fans engaged amid the hiatus but various weather and WiFi issues prove problematic. Bob Williams reports.
National Lacrosse League takes financial hit from sports shutdown but expands digital presence
The indoor lacrosse league, like other US sports properties, has taken a sizable blow from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. But it is looking to adapt quickly to change. Bob Williams reports.
NBA looks to stay ‘connected and engaged’ with fans via players-only esports tournament
The NBA has become the latest major sports organization to turn to esports as a means to help fill the void amid the sports shutdown. Bob Williams reports
Even amid game cancellations, MLB still has keen eye on Mexico
The United States' neighbor to the south is being increasingly viewed by Major League Baseball as a viable location for both regular-season games and perhaps an expansion franchise
Nascar moves quickly to fill void from Covid-19 with nationally-televised esports series
Esports has never been as important or relevant as it is now amid the global Covid-19 pandemic. Nascar has been an early mover in this space with the creation of the eNascar iRacing Pro Invitational Series.
‘Stop broadcasting, start interacting’ | The importance of digital engagement during sport’s shutdown
Adam Nelson speaks with a range of experts from across the digital space about how rights-holders and clubs can utilise digital content to both engage fanbases and provide a platform for their sponsors during the Covid-19-mandated shutdown.
Malaysian Football League targets comeback from challenging 2019
The Malaysian Football League had a tough 2019, which saw clubs suffering revenue shortfalls after two big commercial partners backed out of their deals. In the wake of making some significant commercial deals starting in 2020, Kevin McCullagh talks to MFL's chief commercial officer, Winnie Chan, about how the league is trying to recover.