Ashley DeWalt

Technology is changing how leagues/teams operate and how fans consume sports. And the money is following great ideas. In 2023, the sports tech sector saw $37B in deals and $7B in new money raised for investment funds. 2024 will probably be another strong year of funding as well. But raising capital as a founder isn't for the faint of heart. It takes: - Persistence - Persuasion - Product - Patience - Passion (Plus a great pitch deck) Check out these 17 sports startups and the pitch decks they used to raise millions from investors. #sportstech #sportsbusiness #investing

85

8 Comments

And consider that each of those 2.2 million shots have over 90 data points combining player talent & historical ability, the exact type of shot (location, distance, off catch/dribble) and the precise location of the defense!

12

Rival, a three-year old Gaming-as-a-Service (GAAS) provider, recently raised a $1.6mm seed round. Most esports endeavors to date have focused on winning or ‘being the best’. Rival is going in the other direction, and leaning into community building and entertainment. Its platform serves as a participatory digital gaming destination for young fans, and the company provides the operational overlays enterprise customers need to establish meaningful connections with them (think: moderator tools, ability to ingest streams, and promote media). The company seems to have found product-market fit with pro sports organizations eager to reach the gaming or esports demo. 46 teams currently subscribe to the GAAS. “The next-gen customer is spending equally as much time playing games as they are consuming legacy social media platforms,” Matt Virtue (founder, Rival) said. And “much less on broadcast [television where traditional sports air].” #sportsbiz #esports #gaming #fanengagement #investment https://lnkd.in/eRcShHBm

11

Educators: Did you know that Esports can help expand career prospects for high school and college students? This is because major tournaments, player sponsorships, and substantial prize money have helped transform the field into a viable professional career choice. In addition, Esports have helped open the door to other career paths. Read our Esports article to see why many schools and colleges not only accept Esports as a form of entertainment but also as a legitimate educational tool. https://odp.biz/3ypcQSi

7

5 Learnings from Morgan Stanley's partnership with Serena Williams for modern CMOs Morgan Stanley has teamed up with Serena Williams on an eight part docu series. They’ll serve as presenting sponsor through collaboration with Disney Advertising. In the Arena: Serena Williams will land tonight on ESPN.+ And I love sports documentaries. What I love more, is when there's a story I can take to work afterwards. Morgan Stanley CMO explained how the move to sponsor the series was a natural fit for their marketing strategy. A strategy that has made amplifying women’s sports a priority. Here’s 5 learnings from the sponsorship and key reasons why Morgan Stanley leaned in 1️⃣ Leverage Authentic Storytelling By showcasing Serena's genuine journey, Morgan Stanley can connect with audiences on a personal level, reinforcing the brand's commitment to real, impactful narratives. 2️⃣ Engage with Inspirational Figures Partnering with a globally recognized figure like Serena Williams helps Morgan Stanley reach and resonate with a broader, more diverse audience. It demonstrates how aligning with influential personalities can enhance brand perception and engagement. 3️⃣ Highlight Personal and Professional Growth The series covers Serena's career and personal milestones, illustrating the power of both professional achievements and personal growth. This approach can humanize a brand and create deeper connections with the audience by showcasing relatable and aspirational stories​. 4️⃣ Utilize Multi-Platform Distribution By premiering the docuseries on ESPN+, Morgan Stanley taps into a multi-platform strategy that ensures wider reach and accessibility. This demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging various media channels to maximize content visibility and engagement​. 5️⃣ Showcase Social and Cultural Impact The docuseries not only focuses on Serena's tennis career but also her cultural impact and personal challenges. Highlighting such themes can align a brand with broader social issues, fostering a positive brand image and demonstrating a commitment to societal values and progress​. Morgan Stanley’s move into women’s sports and other cultural avenues reflects a broader push to modernize the brand for a new generation of investors. A great case study for sports marketing 🔥 P.S. Follow me (Chris Swadling) for more sports business content! #sports #sportsbiz

5

After representing and closing partnerships for 4 #esports team organizations as well as multiple esports tournaments and events, I've seen where esports has been, where it currently is, and where it should go. In addition to what Alexander Lee has listed in his article, I've broken down the "4 Keys to the Future of Esports." By focusing on these core points, esports can continue its trajectory of success and become even more deeply integrated into mainstream culture: 1) 📉 Consolidation of Orgs and Game Publisher Investment in Teams and Ecosystem: Fewer, Bigger, Better when it comes to esports orgs. The less orgs there are the easier it will be to grow larger fandom and justify larger investments/valuations with those key orgs. Game publishers should continue to invest in teams by providing financial support, resources, and infrastructure to enable them to operate sustainably and compete effectively. Publishers should continue to create avenues for teams to monetize, such as exclusive in-game skins, #licensing deals, and revenue-sharing agreements. #Activision and #Riot have recently shared plans to do this in light of many orgs closing down and going bankrupt. 2) 📂 Digital Collectibles and Minority Ownership: Fans can be monetized through digital collectibles like #NFTs and opportunities for minority ownership in teams, creating a sense of community and investment. Done the right way, this is a huge opportunity to bring fans closer and to create revenue streams outside of traditional #sponsorships. Incentivize and reward fans for being more engaged through viewership and engagement with content/commerce to drive up valuations for sponsorship deals based on reach, engagement, and conversion. 3) 🏥 Health and Wellness of Esports Athletes: Burnout is an issue. Investment in the health and wellness of esports athletes is crucial to prevent burnout and sustain their careers. This includes physical and mental health support and proper training regimens. Additionally, it's vital to ensure athletes have a healthy work-life balance while managing training and competition schedules. 4) 📽 Building Storylines and Player Branding- Create More Stars: Building compelling storylines around players like Faker can make esports players household names outside of hardcore esports. Developing narrative-driven content and highlighting players' personalities can increase interest and engagement among fans. As the U.S. is a significant source of advertising and sponsorship revenue, investing in elite teams and superstar players in the U.S. market can drive overall growth and interest. Leagues need to showcase and invest in top talent and competitive leagues in the U.S., esports can continue to attract larger audiences and more investment. https://lnkd.in/eJggvYuk

34

🏀 National Basketball Association (NBA) nears $76B broadcast deal According to anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is close to finalizing broadcasting agreements with The Walt Disney Company and Amazon. The potential deals are valued at approximately $76 billion and will span over 11 years. As per the reports, the #NBA has agreed to the general framework of deals, with #Disney and #Amazon offering $2.6 billion and $1.8 billion annually, respectively. The league is still in talks with Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast for the third broadcasting package, which is expected to be worth $2.5 billion annually. These agreements may result in a record payday for the NBA, three times the value of their current contracts. The increasing demand for live sports and competition from new bidders have contributed to the growth in the value of these broadcasting agreements. According to Bloomberg, Amazon is also considering a Prime Video games package that may include conference finals. #NBA #SportsMedia #Broadcasting #NBCUniversal #AmazonPrimeVideo  #Streaming #StreamingWars

4

This tech brand is the biggest sports sponsor in America in 2024. Electronic Arts (EA) Sports is the most active tech sponsor across the USA. And it seems they are strategically focused on one sports franchise in particular. The NFL. Their deal value with NFL assets alone is insane. Worth an estimated $1.6 Billion. 🤑 EA has partnerships with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. In fact the NFL deals account for around 90% of the companies total annual value from sports partnerships. Which does make sense given the popularity of American Football in the region. To put that value into context. The NFL deal is double the annual value of the next highest sports sponsorship in America. Which exists between the NBA and 2K Sports. One thing is clear. The dominance of annual spend by tech brands with sports leagues across the USA reflects the huge commercial value of the leagues. Sports provides a significant opportunity for brand awareness and reach and tech brands know it. EA Sports are leading the way. What is your favourite existing sports partnership? P.S. Follow me (Chris Swadling) for more sports business content! #sports #nfl #sponsorships #gaming

14

3 Comments

ICYMI Supercell released Squad Busters yesterday, its first game in 5 years The launch has been unbelievable to watch unfold Highlighting the first 24 hours below 👇 1. Over 40M people pre-registered for the game 🎮 2. Official Launch Trailer featuring A-Listers like Chris Hemsworth reaches over 5M views in 24 Hours on YouTube 🎬 3. Squad Busters becomes the number one App Store download in 122 countries worldwide and a Top 10 Grossing game in 147 Countries worldwide 📱 4. Official SB social channels gain over 1M followers across the official social channels 📣 5. Over 5M Views from Organic creator content on YouTube + TikTok 🤳 In comparison, Call of Duty Warzone reached a total of 6 Million downloads in its first day, during the peak of Battle Royale fever and COVID. Mobile gaming on 🔝 ! #gaming #mobilegaming #marketing

78

6 Comments

Here’s a stat that might shock you. Research carried out by the USGA analyzed and evaluated all the factors impacting the player experience. Here’s what they found: '- Corrective pace of play actions' had the overall lowest satisfaction score out of 1000 experience touchpoints - This was labeled the ‘perfect frustrater’ with an overwhelmingly negative impact on a player’s enjoyment of the round and their post-round sentiment. Conversely, “positive playing speed and marshal etiquette” ranked as the top positive scoring experience factors. With marshal interactions so clearly having the ability to make or break the playing experience, why is it that so many courses don’t give their marshals the tools they need to be successful at their job? Consider how using GPS tracking and data can transform a marshal / player conversation: 1. Marshals have full line of sight of the course in real-time 2. The data tells them exactly which groups are out of position so they can go directly to them 3. The conversation with these players is now fact-based, relying on data rather than perception. 4. On courses with Tagmarshal’s 2Way screens, players monitor their own pace and automated pace alerts can be set up. You’ll be amazed how differently players react to being told they are out of position when there is hard data to illustrate your point. When the marshal / player dynamic changes, you can start to redefine the role as “player assistants” that help make the experience better, rather than policing the course. Learn how to empower your team in our short demo >>> tagmarshal.com/demo.

1

Thinking of Relocating to the US Through Sports? Here's Your Guide! 🌍 Have you been dreaming of taking your sports career to the next level in the United States? Here's how you can make that dream a reality: 1. Research and Preparation: Start by researching sports leagues, teams, and opportunities in the US. Understand visa requirements, league regulations, and potential sponsorship avenues. 2. Build Your Profile: Showcase your athletic achievements, skills, and competitive experience. Highlight your strengths through videos, statistics, and accolades to attract attention from recruiters and coaches. 3. Seek Expert Guidance: Engage with a consultancy firm specializing in sports relocation. They can offer invaluable insights, connections with sports agencies, and expertise in navigating visa procedures and contractual negotiations. 4. Visa Acquisition: Secure the appropriate visa for athletes, such as the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability or the P-1 visa for internationally recognized athletes. Professional guidance ensures compliance with US immigration laws. 5. Cultural Integration: Prepare for cultural adjustments and embrace the diversity of American sports culture. Connect with local communities and immerse yourself in the sporting atmosphere to enhance your relocation experience. Why Choose Our Consultancy Firm? At [Consultancy Firm Name], we're dedicated to making your sports relocation journey seamless and successful. Here's why we stand out: - Expertise: Our team comprises sports relocation specialists with extensive knowledge of US sports leagues, visa processes, and athlete representation.    - Network: We have a robust network of sports agencies, coaches, and legal experts to support your career aspirations and maximize opportunities.    - Personalized Guidance: We offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique career goals, ensuring you receive the support needed at every step of your relocation journey.    - Track Record: With a proven track record of assisting athletes in achieving their dreams, we're committed to your success in the competitive world of sports. Ready to take the leap and pursue your sports career in the US? Contact us today at [Contact Information] to start your journey with confidence! #SportsRelocation #AthleteSuccess #USASports #DreamBig

6

2 Comments

I’m excited to share that I’m venturing into the startup world as the Co-Founder and CMO of Arena (Sports, Media & Entertainment Careers)! 🏆 So what is Arena and why am I doing this now? 👀 Over the next 10 years employment in sports, media and entertainment occupations is projected to grow faster than the average of ALL occupations! Yet, my co-founders Parul Khosla (CEO), Olivia Schwartz (CTO), and I realized that the current solutions are NOT working to properly serve the unique needs that job seekers and employers have in this industry. After our 25+ years of collective experience getting hired, working in the industry, and helping other get hired in sports, media and entertainment we knew something had to change. That’s why at Arena, we’re building a platform powered by AI, built for today‘s workforce in sports, media and entertainment that prioritizes transparency/equity and personalized insights for companies and job seekers in the hiring process. 💡Want to learn more about Arena? We’re still in the process of building Arena and I’m focusing on our marketing, community and growth efforts so if you want to learn more, follow me, our company page at Arena (Sports, Media & Entertainment Careers), and join the waitlist at the link in the comments below so you’re the first to know when we launch, have updates, etc. Stay tuned for more! #NextPlay #StartUp #SportsJobs #MediaJobs #EntertainmentJobs

1,555

201 Comments

TikTok owner ByteDance's profit reportedly grew 60% in 2023 to $40 billion! Revenue also grew 50% to $120 billion from $80 billion in 2022. _ _ _ _ _ _ | #digital | #linkedinsports | #sportsbusiness | | #investment | #privateequity | #marketing | #branding | #strategy | #sportsmarketing | #sportsbiz | #sportsbusiness | #sportsmedia | #sportsbroadcasting | #sportsindustry | #sponsorship | #digitalmarketing | #brand| #influencermarketing | #advertising | #socialmedia | #marketingandadvertising | #brands | #sports | #pr |

10

1 Comment

Virtual reality is still on its journey to mass adoption, but Apple is betting big on its potential. In the latest episode of StreamTime Sports, Chris Stone and I dive into whether Apple can succeed where others have struggled, and examine the tech giant's strategic moves and upcoming challenges. 🎙️ Key Talking Points: - Can the Vision Pro enhance the sports viewing experience? - What could the mainstream adoption of #VR mean for sports? - Why does Apple need live sports rights? - What are the implications of Apple’s legal battle with the European Commission? Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of sports and technology! #SportsTech #VirtualReality #Apple #StreamTimeSports 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ezRn24S8

8

🚀 Exciting times for American esports! Takaze A. Turner's latest piece delves into the transformative shift in the U.S. collegiate sports landscape, highlighting the decline of the NCAA and the rising prominence of esports programs. As traditional college sports face financial and regulatory challenges, esports emerges as a potent and sustainable alternative. 🎮💥 Read the full article for an insightful analysis of how this evolution could redefine athletic and academic institutions: https://lnkd.in/efhKfu-w #Esports #NCAA #SportsLaw #InnovationInGaming #CollegiateEsports 📈🏆

3

📊 New Data Tool for Evaluating Sports Franchises The University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business has teamed up with Arctos Sports Partners to launch the pioneering Sports Franchise Index (SFI). This innovative initiative promises to transform how we understand the performance and valuation of sports franchises. 🔍 What is the SFI? The Sports Franchise Index offers a comprehensive and transparent measure of the financial and operational health of sports franchises. Utilizing robust data analytics, the SFI aims to provide deep insights into the sports industry. 💡 Notable Findings: - Long-Term Growth: The value of North American sports assets included in the index has compounded at 13.0% per annum over the last 60+ years, outperforming the equity market by 2.5%. - Superior Risk/Return: According to several measures of risk, North American sports assets included in the index possess risk/return characteristics superior to other traditional and alternative asset classes. 📊 Latest Performance Updates (as of Q1 2024): - Quarter-to-Date Return: 4.8% - Year-to-Date Return: 28.1% - Three-Years-to-Date Return: 16.7% 🔝 Year-Over-Year Performance: - Outperforming Assets: North American sports assets have outperformed global equities (23.8%), U.S. small cap stocks (19.7%), private credit (8.8%), private equity (6.0%), commodities (1.5%), and fixed income (1.3%). - Top Performers: The U.S. media and entertainment sector (53.6%) and U.S. equities (29.9%) have outperformed North American sports assets included in the index. This collaboration highlights a significant step forward in using data-driven strategies to revolutionize the sports industry. I've dropped a link to the announcement in the comments 👇 #linkedinsports #sportsfranchise

3

1 Comment

eSports is a very popular industry with 31.6 million viewers, boasting pro leagues and competitions that reflect traditional sports as well as That being said, it's still unique in its fanbase and operation, which is important to note for advertisers -- don't go into it with the identical technique you would for in-person sporting events. The perception of eSports is still being largely debated, but it's clear that brands have a place in the arena. Our recent research at IAB further solidifies the potential for this promising market. https://lnkd.in/edghpZun #eSports #IAB #Marketing #CreativeBranding

12