The sports industry is facing a number of challenges, from the adverse publicity caused by sports doping to the management of risks associated with sports participation. The protection of children from sexual misconduct by coaches and officials is also a major concern. In addition, the rise of technology has made it easier for people to watch sporting events from the comfort of their homes, making it difficult for teams to attract millennials to attend games. Creating experiences that can't be experienced at home is one way teams can draw in fans.
This includes pre-game shows, halftime entertainment, and post-game celebrations. It can be difficult to find the necessary funding for these in-game experiences, especially if no one shows up to the games. The sports industry also faces the challenge of focusing too much on negative stories that surround athletes. News reporters often report on scandals first, creating a negative image for teams and leagues.
For example, Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot was recently criticized for pulling down a women's jersey in public, which created a negative image for both the Cowboys and the NFL. Similarly, the NFL is being heavily criticized for its lack of research on head injuries caused by concussions. Keeping up with technological developments is another challenge facing the sports industry. Fans connect with their favorite teams through social media, putting pressure on teams to constantly update their Facebook and Twitter schedules.
Venues must also keep up with the pace and provide Wi-Fi for fans who want to stay connected throughout the game. The sports industry also needs to catch up with the commercial use of fan data to offer their business partners modular and specific marketing proposals. The transformation of the media landscape is the main driver of change in the industry, followed by growing expectations about the role of sport in society. Finally, teams must predict the next trend or big idea that will capture their audience's attention.
As people watch more and more sporting events through digital platforms such as SlingTV or DirecTV Now, data trails will be used to target fans with personalized offers to buy tickets or products.
