The window for engagement with fans, athletes, teams and brands in the global sports landscape has never been bigger. Some companies in the space are new attackers looking to create a niche, others are constantly reinventing themselves while still others are names you may know but have found a new path to success. Who are some of the ones we have our eye on, and you should to? Take a look.
1. Alexa
Amazon’s virtual assistant, which powers the company’s Echo devices is expanding its Alexa has a Sports Update feature that lets fans get live score updates and schedule information. Other companies are also building sports-related Alexa skills; Turner Sports debuted Catch Sports last month to help fans find ways to watch their teams. Certainly worth a listen.
2. Asiya
Current United States immigration policy leaves us in strange and unchartered waters. One area that has come under question is how policy changes will affect the thousands of professional and amateur athletes, not just Americans competing abroad but the wide mosaic of foreign athletes who play, train and live in the United States.
Stakeholders from the United States Olympic Committee to the NBA have raised questions and concerns recently, in what could become one of the biggest sports business stories in the United States in 2017. However, in that mix of angst comes some light. As is the case so many times, necessity becomes the mother of invention, and with that invention, an entrepreneur rises to serve a niche that is smart, simple and growing, despite the anticipated or discussed changes in US foreign policy. The company is called ASIYA, and its mission is to create Modest Active Wear, especially the hajib, for women who want to play in athletics. The opportunity has arisen as women in conservative countries, especially in the Middle East, become more attuned to their opportunities, and as conservative women in other counties rise in athletics. ASIYA has found its way to a niche for an active female, and seems to be serving it well.
3. Atlanta Braves
The Braves move to SunTrust Park in a few weeks, with the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world. An all-fiber network will keep fans connected no matter where they are, while 15 Seconds of Fame, a social app that delivers personalized videos to fans after they appear on stadium jumbotrons will keep everyone in their seats no matter what the score. On-demand ordering, customized seat deliveries and even tailored camera angles will all be in the mix as Atlanta welcomes what will be the first of two new stadia this year, with the Braves pulling out all the stops to be first and fast.
4. Chobani
The Greek yogurt giant has invested billions into being the leader in the active lifestyle space, and continues to find new ways, from athlete partners to interactive messagiung inside their cups, to engage and go beying a simple consumer experience. It has launched a new line of yogurt drinks, more variations on its Flip mix-in product, additional yogurt flavors, and a concept café in select Target locations. They have even built cause marketing and job placement into their mantra, making them an athletic brand of choice for…