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Bence

@superbence

thinking about the future of sports

Here is my second Substack post, check out and enjoy a bit of a history lesson on fan engagement in sports! open.substack.com/pub/wethefans/…

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Good design in sports means seamless access, real fan influence, and building communities. Sports media can be more than highlights, it can be where fans live the game.


Check out my first article on Substack and join the movement to redesign sports fan experiences! open.substack.com/pub/wethefans/…

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Sports has always been about community and belonging. But in a world where digital interactions dominate, are we giving fans products that truly connect them to their teams and each other? Time to rethink!

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The new #NFL portal is a great addition to X! Looking forward to seeing it expand to other sports… (but where to find without a direct link @Sports ?)

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People don’t just buy tickets—they invest in experiences. Fan engagement is the new frontier of sports, transforming audiences into communities and casual viewers into superfans.


Why does fan engagement matter? Because the game-day experience is now 24/7. Teams must keep the conversation going year-round, building deeper, lasting connections with fans.


Problem: Streaming numbers are still trailing behind traditional TV. Solution: Enhance streaming platforms with more fan engagement features.

NFL streaming numbers are rising on Prime every season, and will continue to grow with a newer metric incorporating first-party data (measured by Nielsen). But still a long way to go to get back to the numbers of Fox/NFL Network “TNF” in 2021



Sports used to be about the action on the field. Now, it’s about the connection off the field too. The teams that invest in fan engagement will create deeper, more emotional ties and win bigger than ever.


In some form, direct fan engagement will be a huge chunk of new revenue soon!

How the big 4 US sports leagues make their money.

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More fan engagement like this need to be implemented in various areas of sports to create a truly immersive fan experience!

Which game do YOU want to watch a player's warmup from before tonight's #EmiratesNBACup doubleheader on ESPN? #NBAVote 🏆 7:30pm/et: @Lakers/@spurs 10:00pm/et: @memgrizz/@warriors



The NBA has recognized that the regular season can be boring, so they’ve introduced the NBA Cup. This is already a great step in the right direction, but we need a bit more creativity to ensure the league continues on a growth path. Here are a few random ideas: - $25 tickets in…

NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended the NBA product amidst a ratings drop and comments that it could be because of too much three-point shooting: "I don’t think it has anything whatsoever to do with the style of play on the floor.” More ⬇️



Streaming is the way forward for all sports!

You can tell a large portion of sports media's history through the lens of Mike Tyson's career, from early HBO to Netflix.

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Instead of the ever growing number of sponsors, rights holders should consider new revenue streams, particularly those rooted in fan engagement. Integrating more interactive and immersive fan experiences, sports organizations can build deeper loyalty and create new, sustainable…

How many sponsors are too many? - @F1 has 19. - The @Olympics has 16. - The @FIFAWorldCup has 14. - The @NFL has 42. The answer is: the absolute number is irrelevant. A good rightsholder will clearly define the categories, build packages that offer opportunities for all…

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This is all true and really cool! But… There is still tremendous opportunity to enhance how fans connect with teams, athletes, and fellow supporters. Some untapped areas include: 📌Interactive community-building beyond game days 📌More personalized digital experiences for…

The way fans watch sports is evolving. • Shared reality domes like Cosm • VR headsets like Apple Vision Pro • High-tech arenas like the Intuit Dome • Luxury tailgates like Vegas or Arizona's @DerrylRoyce explored the future of live sports » gofos.co/4fj1LCR



Redesign Fan Experience #3 Imagine a future where stadiums and arenas are more than just venues—they’re interactive hubs that immerse fans in the experience like never before. Imagine fans being able to vote on game-day elements like music playlists, stadium lighting, or even…

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About the Sportico franchise valuations: The latest Sportico 2024 franchise valuations reveal a compelling trend: NHL franchises are now catching up to the valuation levels of most MLB franchises. This surge in NHL value reflects a wider recognition of hockey’s growing market…

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Redesign Fan Experience #2 Imagine being able to influence the design of your team’s jersey or buy exclusive virtual memorabilia. Fans gain ownership, teams gain new revenue streams—a win-win.

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Fan experiences need to be redesigned: Engaging young audiences is vital for the future of sports, as they are the next generation of lifelong fans. Today’s youth crave interactive, meaningful experiences with their favorite teams and athletes, seeking deeper connections rather…

Kids are rarely watching sports—and the trend has media executives like ESPN's Jimmy Pitaro concerned. Pat McAfee, though, has had a "staggering" impact on younger viewers and the brand. @MMcCarthyREV on how networks are trying to draw in young audiences ⬇️



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