Fan Engagement
Features
“Digital has become the free-to-air platform” | F1’s Frank Arthofer
Liberty Media’s major investment into Formula 1's digital media operations has demonstrated its value during sport’s global lockdown, believes Frank Arthofer, the series’ global head of digital media and licensing.
MLB clubs look to reinvent fan experience in empty ballparks
With no attending fans for the upcoming start of the 2020 MLB season, many clubs are employing new tools to retain fan engagement and in-ballpark energy
Closed-door sport gives fresh impetus to innovations in virtual hospitality
Closed-door sport is forcing innovation and fresh thinking about virtual hospitality. But can it ever hope to replace the real behind-the-ropes experience? Ben Cronin reports.
US ticket resale market eyes broad redefinition amid Covid-19
Sports are beginning to make their comeback from Covid-19, but generally with empty stadiums or with highly limited attendance, accelerating historic shifts for an already-battered ticket resale industry. US Editor Eric Fisher reports.
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
ESPN agrees to multiyear deal with music distributor UnitedMasters
ESPN has entered into a multiyear agreement with independent artist distribution platform UnitedMasters
Fox Sports features artificial crowd noise at MLS Is Back Tournament – unlike ESPN coverage
Fox Sports has announced that its broadcast coverage of the MLS Is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida, will feature artificial crowd noise
Round-Up: Asia Cup cancelled, Sri Lankan cricket resumes, Mailman opens LA office, and more
This year's Asia Cup national team cricket tournament has been cancelled, with planned hosts Pakistan possibly hosting it next year instead, cricket officials have said - The Hindu
Singapore Premier League teams take rivalries online
The Singapore Premier League will launch its own football video game tournament, premiering on July 11
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.
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