WhatsApp x The Global Game ⚽️

Why WhatsApp next move needs to double down on soccer now and moving forward ....

Shoot Your Shot is my personal series where I ideate in public for brand partnerships that I would love to make happen or see come to life...You miss 100 % of the shots you don't take

After recently watching UGO A Homecoming Story presented by WhatsApp , my mind immediately started thinking what does WhatsApp have up their sleeves next. While I loved the Giannis documentary and think Giannis is a perfect global ambassador for Whatsapp, I think WhatsApp is only the scratching the surface of how they can slowly integrate into sports. For context WhatsApp is already indirectly integrated because they are owned by META and between META x Instagram, a lot of efforts are being made but I'm speaking to WhatsApp specifically.

Quick shoutout to Giannis though. He recently launched his own media venture and continues to formulate his enterprise. He's what we at Serve Consulting LLC like to call an Athlete CEO. His partnership with WhatsApp is a testament to him and his personal, unique story. He's the epitome of what it means to have a global presence. Born in Greece to Nigerian parents , two different tribes [Yoruba and Igbo] I might add, making his mark on the global stage, and being one the top players in the NBA, combined with NBA's efforts to expand globally specifically in Africa, WhatsApp made a great decision.

Okay, back to why WhatsApp needs to focus on soccer/futbol as their main sports partner.

First and foremost, I want to give major props to what WhatsApp has already done. When doing research, I came across their documentary on members of the Afghanistan Youth Women's National team.

Soccer is the global game, the most popular sport in the world, and the only sport that can literally stop time and connect countries all over the world no matter where you are. Soccer will only continue to grow as more investment continues, more exposure across demographics are made, and more inclusive programming at the youth and underserved level happen. Which is exactly what WhatsApp does, connects people from all over the world to communicate and stay in touch.

I personally use WhatsApp to connect with my family back home in Nigeria, follow up with old international team mates, and maybe the most important save money communicating back home when I travel internationally...

With the looming World Cup coming to North America in 2026, I would love to see [be part of [this is shoot your shot for a reason 😊] ] WhatsApp have a big presence in some activations starting now leading up to the World Cup and beyond. You have all the ingredients to make a wonderful partnership; international talent and superstars, a growing soccer ecosystem between MLS, NWSL, USL Championship, and more...

From team group chats, to family conversations, to long distance relationships, to friends connecting... WhatsApp is at the heart of all of it when it comes to relating to the global game of soccer.

While you may not have a Giannis global ambassador that can be the spearhead focal point of a documentary, you have a good foundation to do amazing things with soccer being a sport to look into as a category.

What do you think? Should WhatsApp double down on building around Giannis or put an emphasis on soccer. Who's soccer's current version of Giannis? To be fair Giannis is a unique case study and makes a perfect ambassador for WhatsApp. Personally, as a sport though I think WhatsApp can do a lot of authentic work in soccer.

Share your thoughts below....

#shootyourshot

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