Donovan Martinez

GameSquare Holdings Inc. has sold 25.5% of FaZe Media to Richard “FaZe Banks” Bengston for $9.5 million. Prior to the purchase, GameSquare owned 51% of FaZe Media and Matt Kalish, co-founder of DraftKings Inc., owned 49%. This now means the company is split between 25.5% for GameSquare and FaZe Banks, with Matt Kalish still owning 49% of the company’s shares. FaZe Banks still has the option to purchase additional shares in the future if he would like to. For reference, FaZe Media has a 12-month revenue of $30 million as of March 31, 2024. GameSquare Holdings still owned 100% of FaZe Esports. Justin Kenna, CEO of GameSquare, mentioned this is in line with the company’s strategy of “reigniting the FaZe brand by returning its founders in a meaningful way”. Follow #MoreMark for #Business content in #Gaming, #Esports, and #Creators!

52

2 Comments

💸 US Sports betting ad spending is down 20%. What's behind the sudden cutback? Nielsen’s latest report for the American Gaming Association shows a striking dip in 2023 marketing budgets among operators: 👉 Betting ads across TV, billboards, digital, print, and cinemas have dropped 15%.  👉 TV-specific betting ads decreased by 11%. The reason is almost obvious. As the industry stabilizes, ad spending naturally slows down. Having huge budgets at the start was important to snag market share. Now, to stay competitive in a maturing market, you should use targeted ads to reach the right people and try new, creative ways to engage customers. I believe, the marketing approach will get more tailored and optimized. #fsm #digitalmarketing #advertising #sports #sportsmarketing #sportsbetting #sportsbook

29

4 Comments

🏈 Get Ready for the National Football League (NFL) Draft with VSiN, The Sports Betting Network and STN Video! 🌟 Give your audience premium coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft live on Thursday, April 25th from 6 PM to 2 AM ET, delivered directly to your site at ZERO COST. Enjoy comprehensive live streams, including: 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Draft Preview Special discussing all betting implications and predictions. 8:00 – 11:00 PM: GM Shuffle LIVE provides an insider perspective, analyzing picks as they happen. 11:00 PM – 2:00 AM: VSiN Tonight, a Draft Recap with in-depth analysis from industry experts. 🚀 Don't miss out on this unparalleled coverage! For access, contact your publisher success manager, and we’ll handle the rest, from player codes to feed updates. #NFLDraft #LiveStream #SportsBetting #VSiN #STNVideo #DigitalContent

16

🎮Fandom just released their gaming audience study. It is focused on in-game self-expression. Here are 3 most important insights for marketers 👇 1. Creation, imagination & self-expression as a gaming motivation is becoming increasingly important for the players (46% with 10% YoY increase). 2. Customization is king: the top ways gamers customize: characters (76%), usernames (48%), and gestures (35%). 3. 32% Would like their physical appearance to be more like their gaming presence. With their IRL skill to be as strong as their gaming skills. MARKETER'S POV: If your brand allows for self-expression in real life it can also do that in the virtual one. Example: adidas with their virtual store on Roblox. BUT it's not only about the clothes. Self-expression is how we play and who we are. You can be a part of it (for example in GTA roleplay servers), support those who enable it (eg. parter with game devs) OR those who influence the gaming culture - content creators. As long as you become a part of the fun you are in the clear ;) --- Found this post interesting? Give it a like and follow me ( Wiktoria Wójcik) for more insights on gaming marketing from a Gen Z gamer perspective. h/t to Emilia Gluszek for sharing the report first! #gaming #gamingmarketing #instreamly #roblox #games #genZ

25

Keyword selection for sports betting is an art & science... It requires a delicate balance between volume and competition With daily events occurring each day across many sports, where do you begin? In this guide, I'll help you re-think your sports betting keyword strategy to drive results You'll also find our in-house keyword matrix to help you visualize the strategy for easier navigation We've implemented this keyword selection strategy to help our clients generate millions of search traffic visitors, and you can do the same with this tool 👉 https://lnkd.in/dbffNCiS #sportsbetting #sportsmarketing #sportstech #sportstechmarketing #sportsseo

4

“All of these brands are a little stale. If you talk to people 30-and-under, none of these brands feel like they're for that demographic.” Chris Grove has a great POV on brand in sports betting, and it’s something I’ve observed for a while now on the esports beat with products like skin gambling and how pervasive they are amongst a younger demo (not endorsing them). The current lineup of regulated sports betting brands are homogenous, and if other consumer product categories are anything to go off (think Liquid Death, Engine Gin, etc), there’s definitely room for an operator to repackage online betting in a way that 1) makes them standout in a crowded landscape and 2) can resonate with a certain segment of the population.

23

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

Creating products on top of sports media channels... With Nicholas Kelland, CSO of Forever Network (just raised Series A). Leading Forever Network's expansion into the United States we dive into the strategy and the value of building products on top of media companies. 𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮s𝐬: 🎙 1️⃣ Learnings scaling company 2️⃣ Insights from entering US market 3️⃣ Future of acquiring and retaining users Check out the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/e5BzrwFP Short snippet from the podcast 👇

65

3 Comments

TikTok is taking its premium ad placements to the next level. Now, brands can showcase their ads alongside content from top-tier publishers like Paramount Global and the NHL. This upgrade means ads are not only seen—they're seen in the best context. Moreover, ads placed next to trending content are proving more effective, showing a +9% increase in purchase intent. It’s clear: the relevance of ad placement significantly boosts viewer engagement. TikTok is also rolling out new options: → Pulse Custom Lineups which use AI to match ads with trending content → Premiere Tentpole Moments for major events like the Paris Olympics and The Met Gala. Here’s my thoughts: These updates offer exciting opportunities for brands aiming to make an impact and stand out. All of this though is happening with the possibility of a US ban. What do you think? Could these changes enhance how brands engage with audiences on TikTok?

12

1 Comment

EA Sports "It's In the Game" 🏈🎮 If you’ve ever played a sports videogame, chances are you’ve heard this iconic tagline. But have you ever stopped to think about its cultural impact? Back in the early 1990s, Andrew Anthony recorded the phrase “EA Sports: It’s In the Game,” a line that would become etched in the minds of gamers worldwide. His deep, dynamic voice turned a simple tagline into a cultural icon. The tagline serves as an auditory logo, instantly evoking EA Sports' commitment to authenticity and quality. It’s not just a phrase – it's become THE sound of sports gaming. With EA Sports, a division of Electronic Arts, seeing revenues surpass $7 billion in 2023, this tagline is a familiar sound to a ENORMOUS global audience. Beyond gaming, the tagline has permeated popular culture. It’s been parodied, referenced, and celebrated, demonstrating its recognition beyond just the gaming community. For over three decades, it has remained relevant, highlighting its effectiveness and the deep emotional connection it fosters with players. More than a game, more than a brand - it's become pop culture. This is pretty much a textbook example of successful sonic branding. The tagline encapsulates EA Sports' essence in a brief, memorable soundbite, enhancing brand recall and loyalty. EA has masterfully leveraged the tagline in its marketing campaigns, reinforcing the message of authenticity and immersion. Consistent branding has helped establish EA Sports as a market leader. So next time you hear “EA Sports: It’s In the Game,” remember the legacy of Andrew Anthony and the enduring power of this iconic soundbite. 🎤🎮 #Marketing #SonicBranding #Gaming

10

Bryce Yang (Sr. Director, Global Sports Marketing at 2K) shared insightful comments this week on the launch of "Top Spin 2K25," the most recent in a growing list of sports releases — 7 of their last 8 games! To me, the interview reinforced the strategic value of collaboration between sports brands and game publishers. Here are my top 3 takeaways, plus how building expertise in gaming can help accelerate your career in sports 👇 🎮 1. Sports allow game publishers to *reach into the mainstream* by welcoming casual gamers. From this foundation, 2K can introduce other titles to passionate gamers: e.g., Borderlands, Bioshock, Civilization, XCOM. 🎾 2. Tennis is a sports that can capture *youth enthusiasm* and partnerships with games can help accelerate that trend. For example, Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz have each promoted the game on their Instagram pages. 📸 3. Sports games are natural destinations for *in-game brand advertising,* driving revenue for athletes/leagues/tournaments as well as game publishers. Top Spin 2K25 includes the real-live sponsors of tournaments, such as BNP Paribas's support of Indian Wells. __ As you build your career in sports, showing vigilance on the development of *alternative channels* (including game publishers) is a valuable way to reach new audiences and help grow a sport overall. As gaming continues to become mainstream, expertise on how your sport can help a game publisher expand could give you an edge in building for this new medium. __ Check out the full interview with Digiday: https://lnkd.in/eu44_fiY ⭐️ To contribute to tennis's growth, explore 200+ open Golf / Tennis jobs, including roles at the (USTA) United States Tennis Association, ATP Tour, WTA, and more on TeamWork Online: https://lnkd.in/e8pRjQRB What sports game do you believe has contributed the most to the growth of the sport itself (and why)? ⬇️ 💬

67

1 Comment

If you love sports and data, being a trader at DraftKings could be a perfect fit. You’ll use your analytical mind to dig into stats during sports events to determine unique offerings that customers can bet on. You’ll collaborate with diverse sports fans just like yourself who are passionate about the sports betting industry. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/exR6Z2pQ #sportstrader #trading #sports #draftkings #draftkingslife #careersatdraftkings

96

4 Comments

How Gaming Giants Hooked Your Kids - The $300/Month Addiction Lawsuits. Kids Brainwashed by Addictive Video Games? Parents accuse gaming giants of employing psychologists to make games irresistibly addictive, leading kids into depression, rage, and spending $300+/month. Brace for impact as a massive lawsuit seeks to consolidate all video game addiction cases under one multidistrict litigation (MDL). If successful, this MDL could pave the way for bellwether trials against industry titans like Microsoft, Epic Games, and Nintendo. The allegations? Tactics like microtransactions and loot boxes push players into overspending by offering random rewards at unpredictable intervals – a mechanism strikingly similar to gambling. Stay ahead of this groundbreaking litigation as it unfolds. Will the industry be forced to re-evaluate its ethical boundaries? How will this impact the future of gaming? #videogameaddiction #masstort #personalinjury

23

*Network effects* show up all over the sports industry. But they're not all the same. Here is NFX's breakdown of 11 types of *network effects,* along with businesses that fit each category👇 🏟️ 1. Physical - Nodes with direct links (e.g., train stations). Pro leagues themselves (NFL, NBA, WNBA, others) often operate the grandest venues in every city. 🎟️ 2. Protocol - Declared standard through which information is conveyed. Ticketmaster and AXS provide foundational structures for sports ticketing. 💬 3. Personal Utility - Communication tools built around personal identities. LeagueApps connects youth/rec teams. Teamworks connects college/pro teams. 🙋 4. Personal - Reputation-driven networks that allow each user to create/maintain a public image. Agencies including Elevate, Legends, Creative Artists Agency, Excel Sports Management, rEvolution, Octagon, Wasserman, Playfly Sports, and others often differentiate on reputation. 🔄 5. Market - N-sided marketplaces that promote differentiated offerings. PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy and other daily fantasy providers help fans make all types of fantasy-style sports bets within the market. 🤝 6. Marketplace (2-Sided) - Matchmaking service that connects buyers/sellers. SeatGeek, Vivid Seats, and other secondary brokers connect fans with game tickets. Fanatics offers team merchandise to in-persona and e-commerce buyers. 💻 7. Platform (2-Sided) - Operating system or enterprise service connecting users and service providers/developers. Sportradar and Genius Sports provide official data feeds from leagues to media, betting, and other users. 📍 8. Asymptotic Marketplace - Constrained by local geography/service provided (e.g., Uber/Lyft). FanDuel, DraftKings Inc., bet365, and other betting apps build state-by-state communities. 👩‍💻 9. Expertise - Software used by professionals to perform functions in their niche. Logitix/KORE, Zoomph/Trajektory, FEVO/Spinzo are important tools for industry leaders in ticketing, sponsorships, and group sales, respectively. 📊 10. Data - Centralized product built around access to a shared database. SponsorUnited offers a single sponsorship platform. PFF offers a solution for coaching/on-field insights. 🛜 11. Tech Performance - When more inputs improves functionality (e.g., Wifi). Fortress GB Limited provides "access controls" across all elements of ticketing. __ 💡 My takeaway → *Network effects* drive incredibly resilient business models in any category. As a result, understanding the types of *network effect* at play across sports can provide valuable input on which organizations to target and what skills are needed to help a given organization succeed. __ 🔗 Check out "The Network Effects Manuel": https://lnkd.in/eyevqu7n ⭐️ Explore 190+ open Sports Technology jobs on TeamWork Online: https://lnkd.in/g8XnJbtn What other sports orgs incorporate one of the "network effects" in this framework? ⬇️ 💬

21

When dealing with creators, brands need to focus less on claiming and more on collaborating. The video game industry has been ahead of the curve on this for a while, but the vast majority of the rest of media - from entertainment to sports brands - has been strangely and surprisingly slow in recognizing the genuine and organic value that creators have in driving fan engagement with their brands.  Creators already engage with premium intellectual property (IP), showcasing their enthusiasm through fanfiction, art, and videos. The first approach of most brands to unauthorized (and unpaid for) use of their IP is to go on defense and shut it down, but that’s an outdated mindset when it comes to the creator economy.  What if more brands actively collaborated with the creators, tapping into the authentic connections they’ve already developed with their fans, to reach new audiences and better engage existing audiences?  What if brands actually gave these creators more access to their IP rather than shutting them down or, at best, keeping them at arm's length? What if, in addition to the marketing benefits inherent in this re-envisioned relationship, brands realized economic return by actively investing in the businesses these creators are already building? The worlds of creators and premium-level IP can blend so that creators become much more for brands than, at their most friendly, “hired audiences” and, at their most contentious, threats. Brands can treat creators not just as collaborators but as partners and valuable components of their portfolio, fostering deeper fan connections, driving innovation, and expanding reach. But most exciting, as a fan myself, with a little love and a little less fear, brands can allow creators to bring their IP to life in new and exciting ways. #EquityCrowdfunding #Creators #CreatorFinancing #CreatorEnterprise #CreatorMiddleClass #NewHollywood

4

2 Comments