Georgia Sapounas

The NFL Schedule is being released this week. A few years ago, I worked with an Agile team to match the new NFL schedule to the ticketing system to provide clubs with secondary market insights as they looked to sell direct to customers. Why is this such a big moment to track secondary? 💴 Clubs that manage the secondary market tend to better generate primary revenue 🏈 Clubs can develop a direct promotion strategy to their fans, like allowing their most seasoned fans access first to their site for direct revenue 🆘 Clubs can spot unusual broker activity to identify any breaches of ticketing agreements One interesting takeaway - high ticket interest popped up during the NFL Draft. Some of it was related to Draft tickets, but the majority included searches for tickets. Should NFL clubs have the right to start selling tickets then? #tickets #sportsmarketing

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Non-Drafted Free Agency (NDFA) period begins for MLB today. What is it, and how can teams use it to improve their organizations via depth and finding hidden gems? #ndfa #mlbdraft #playerevaluation #scouting #baseball

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Insights like this are very interesting to me, showcasing plays or tendencies that may be missed when watching a game more casually. Throughout the playoffs, the focus is usually on the star players who make a noticeable impact on a nightly basis. The depth players aren’t recognized to the same extent, but are often a driving force in their team’s success. Here, Sportlogiq’s Mike Kelly focuses on the strong forecheck of the Dallas Stars 4th line and how they did what was necessary to give their team every advantage they could get in the game. It’s always refreshing to hear an analyst relay their findings from the data to viewers in a clear, digestible way that adds value to the panel and shows how teams are able to work to their strengths to give themselves the best chance to win. #nhlplayoffs #analytics #data

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"We want to be a leader in the game and we want to be on the front foot." - Ali Curtis, MLS SVP of Sporting Development. MLS and MLS NEXT Pro are doing just that, as evidenced by the rules we have implemented to increase focus on player health and safety and to decrease time wasting. Today's article gives a great look at the rules and their impact. Take a look: https://lnkd.in/eJwPhtTq

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I've been spending more and more time digging into the athlete media ecosystem and there's few better to do that with then Dev Sethi. On this week's podcast we discuss: - How have the likes TikTok, Instagram and YouTube elevated the platform of athletes and their brands? - Why do traditional media companies struggle to engage fans like athletes? - How have recent changes with NIL in college sports impacted the current system? - What is the future of athlete representation? - How will athletes impact sports media in the long-term?   - What role is Athletes.org trying to play for athletes? Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/ehbrFd_T

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I've talked about the impact that the AIQ.team has in the NFL, but our value transcends beyond just the sport of football - we have a significant presence in basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and more. With the National Basketball Association (NBA) Finals & Draft right around the corner, our team is looking at this past year's rookie class and the signals the AIQ picked up between the players cognitive scores & performance on the court. 🏀 I wanted to share one in particular: the NBA All-Rookie team outperformed all of the other 2023 NBA prospects in the area of Learning Efficiency (LE). LE is one of the 15 data points the AIQ measures and affects a player's ability to learn technique, strategy, reports, etc. and recall this information readily when needed. Teams that use the AIQ for scouting & talent selection know that LE is a crucial indicator in a prospect's ability to learn the playbook more quickly than their peers and adjust to the speed of the game better than other draftees. As sports evolve to rely heavily on analytics and measuring "between the ears", we continue to provide insights & correlations to our teams to help them select the right talent, develop players properly, and ultimately take the right step to a championship caliber team. #Linkedinsports #NBA #CognitiveAssessment

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The data revolution has produced a ton of new insights into hitting and pitching. I read analysis after analysis; new metrics being created regularly. Pitch design vs "hittability." But at the end of the day, the hitter vs pitcher battle is about TIMING. Can hitters be on time to get their swing off vs Can pitchers interrupt hitter timing. Here's a dude on time hitting a ball out of the stadium. Adjustments on top of adjustments.

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Navigating Market Price Fluctuations in Sports Event Budgeting 🏅💸 Managing a sports event budget with fluctuating market prices can be challenging. Here’s how to stay on track: 1️⃣ Forecast and Plan 📊 - Use historical data to predict price changes. 2️⃣ Build Flexibility 🔄 - Include a contingency fund for unexpected costs. 3️⃣ Negotiate Contracts 🤝 - Secure fixed-price contracts to lock in costs. 4️⃣ Bulk Purchases 🛒 - Buy in bulk when prices are low. 5️⃣ Monitor Trends 🔍 - Adjust purchasing strategies based on market trends. 6️⃣ Alternative Suppliers 🔄 - Have backup suppliers for competitive pricing. Proactive budget management helps navigate price fluctuations and ensures event success. How do you handle budget challenges? Share your tips in the comments! 🌟 #SportsEventManagement #Budgeting #MarketFluctuations #EventPlanning

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Well look at that! SBJ is finally coming around to the opportunity sports DTC streaming can provide teams/leagues. The bottom line, is that as viewing habits continue to shift towards digital platforms and devices, sports entities with built in fan bases and star athletes can exploit DTC streaming: 👉 A DTC approach allows for direct relationship with fans. Teams can personalize the communication, target marketing and tailor offerings to fans to increase engagement and revenue. 👉 A DTC model will be able to better to measure advertisement spending with viewership numbers and post-advertisement behavior. This allows teams to target marketing efforts and to make investment decisions more wisely. 👉 DTC sports streaming can utilize data and algorithms to create a more immersive and engaging viewing experience and allows fans to enjoy live and on-demand sports content at their convenience. 👉 DTC models are likely to be less lucrative [than current RSN rights fees] at the outset, but allows teams to be in control of their own fortunes and to maximize revenue and fan engagement in meaningful ways that are more sustainable for the long-term health of the franchise. Ask me how MK can help you... https://lnkd.in/d-J_6Qsx.

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Slam dunks and creative strategic partnerships - the current NBA playoffs have it all. In the high-stakes world of sports, brands are finding innovative ways to team up and draw in audiences. These partnerships pivot around shared values and common goals. Brands are not merely a sponsor, but an integral part of the team's identity. From limited-edition merchandise to interactive fan experiences, such collaborations amplify the thrill of the NBA playoffs. In the end, it's about creating win-win scenarios – for teams, brands, and most importantly, fans. Have you noticed any standout partnerships during this playoff season?

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Missed our latest webinar with Gabe Merville, Director of Analytics, Strategy, and Revenue Integration at LSU Athletics? No problem! You can still watch it on demand. https://lnkd.in/dfUQ4taC Dive into the insights on successful data strategy implementation from a top expert in #collegiateathletics. Discover how your athletic department can generate millions in incremental revenue with a targeted data strategy and Affinaquest’s best-in-class data solutions. Tune in now! #datainnovation #datainsights

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💡There are more roster spots available for many American athletes worldwide! This is why the game needs the FIRST EVER Athletes Abroad Summit! 🏀🌎✈️ #CreatingSpace #Vegas #July15th #UNLV The 2024 NBA Draft confirmed how viable the international market can be for American athletes. Many already know that WNBA players often play abroad outside the W season, but the international market is also gaining popularity for undrafted and college players. 💥 ⬆️ FOREIGN PLAYERS MAKE UP AN INCREASING % OF DRAFT PICKS, INCLUDING LOTTERY DRAFT PICKS. This forces many American players overseas. 📈 UNDERCLASSMEN CONTINUE TO BE DRAFTED, CREATING A NEED FOR INTERNATIONAL TRANSITION EDUCATION FOR COLLEGE ATHLETES. The NBA is increasingly drafting potential. 🚏 AMERICAN PLAYERS CAN GO OVERSEAS AND BEGIN THEIR PRO CAREERS STRAIGHT FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE. The NBA has drafted players after playing in Australia, such as AJ Johnson and previously LaMelo Ball. ✂️ MANY POST-DRAFT NBA SUMMER LEAGUE INVITES WILL NOT MAKE A ROSTER. There just aren’t enough spots in American leagues. There are more roster spots worldwide and money to be made! A bonus is traveling the world and immersing in another country. We are bringing players, attorneys, agents, managers, and other sports experts together to educate and empower players about their sports careers abroad. Join the movement!! 🏀🌎✈️ https://lnkd.in/eKqBxEpV #BallinAbroad #AthletesAbroad #Basketball #TheBusinessBehindTheBall #WNBA #NBA #FIBA #EuroLeague #CreatingSpace #Education #Empowerment #Networking

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📊 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

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A good view of sports business

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𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧? According to SportsPro, the NBA attracted more than 1,400 brands this season, including 200 new partnerships, demonstrating its continued dominance in the sports sponsorship industry. This outstanding number reflects the league's capacity to innovate and generate lucrative opportunities for brands in various industries, including technology, food and drink, and more. In its embrace of digital platforms, the NBA has introduced dynamic advertising options like ribbon board ads and interior digital signage, showcasing its digital transformation. The league has partnered with media behemoths like ESPN and ABC to provide fans with high-quality content and an engaging experience. The NBA uses advanced analytics to understand fan behaviour, preferences, and engagement. This data-driven approach allows the league to tailor its sponsorship offerings to match the interests and habits of its audience. The NBA has a robust presence on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. The league leverages these platforms to engage with fans directly and share highlights, behind-the-scenes content, and real-time updates. The NBA has successfully expanded its reach beyond North America, with a strong presence in markets like China, Europe, and Africa. This global footprint attracts international sponsors looking to leverage the league's popularity in multiple regions. Initiatives like the NBA Global Games and partnerships with international broadcasters increase the league's appeal to global brands. Critical takeaways for other sports organisations: 𝑭𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔  The best way for sports leagues to build a strong sponsorship portfolio is to foster diverse partnerships. This means reaching out to brands in different industries. Consistent income is guaranteed, and risks are reduced with this strategy. Growing the sport's presence in international markets will attract global brands and increase sponsorship revenue. 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 Maintaining fan engagement as the main priority of all operations will significantly increase a sport's sponsor appeal. Include engaging content and high-quality broadcasting partnerships. Utilising data analytics to understand and engage with fans helps tailor sponsorship opportunities more effectively. 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 The NBA has shown the way for other sports to follow by improving their digital advertising capabilities; one way to do this is to expand their digital offerings. A wider variety of sponsors can be attracted by providing innovative and interactive advertising options. https://lnkd.in/dq8VZq4P

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Important in #sportsbiz and other industries…

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Well done

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