September Digital Directors Community Zoom Call Summary

October 2, 2020

With leagues starting back up and some playing all their games in one location, how can you integrate digital rights and find ways to engage with fans unable to be in the stadium for live games.

Covid-19 – causing revenue to take a hit, so new outlook on digital is needed

  • Salvaging revenue has been the No. 1 priority with some pressure. Working with corporate partnerships team and keeping communication fluid is crucial in reviewing digital assets.
  • With the current climate, strategy planning is more of a start-up mentality in digital. It used to be all about dreaming big. But now the focus is on what fans actually want and what customers need. The strategic vision is on hold.
  • One of the biggest challenges for the wider team in sports has been season ticket refunds and how to manage the return to live matches with limited attendance.

Now is the time for digital collaborations

  • This year has created an opportunity to work with new partners to create platforms to bring virtual fans into the experience.
  • Some directors have brought in digital products such as a new free-to-play game to help partners with brand awareness – innovation and adapting to the current climate.
  • Working with Broadcasters to bring commentary in each countries local languages can be invariable, enhancing the international reach and engagement

Live events will return, but digital and broadcasting will never be the same

  • Servicing partners digitally requires investment in digital and need to see the investment to carry this out
  • You can prepare for fans coming back to stadiums with features such as contactless payment in the stadium for a new safety outlook.
  • Younger fans are also not engaging as they used to, this may be temporary yet needs to be considered in planning.

Changes with leagues bringing all games to one location has impacted digital outlets

  • Digital assets are impacted with teams unable to activate their physical signage, therefore using digital signage
  • Shorter highlights tap into a new market of engagement, how do you keep this going after fans come back to the stadium?