Weekly Newsletter 4/27
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INNOVATION IN ACTION
RETHINKING TRADITIONAL SPONSORSHIP DEALS
The crypto, blockchain, and NFT markets have been exploding recently, and the industry saw another first last week. 13 year NBA veteran, Wilson Chandler, partnered with CryptoKickers, an NFT-based fashion brand, to create the first-ever completely virtual shoe deal. The sponsorship market needs to be paying attention to the NFT craze in order to develop innovative ideas like this collaboration from Chandler and CryptoKickers. Owning a piece of your fandom is a core Fluid Fan behavior, and our data shows that fans are engaging with these types of NFT and crypto-based partnerships. The virtual shoes can be bought and traded on various virtual retail marketplaces, and Chandler will be donating his proceeds to charity. Athletes are leaning into technology and these new-age opportunities, but it is also great to see them continuing to support the societal causes that they find important.
Sports Innovation Lab Events
USING DATA AND TECHNOLOGY TO INNOVATE
WITH NATARA HOLLOWAY OF THE NFL
The 50th Fluid Fan Podcast episode is all about technology and innovation at the biggest league in the world, the National Football League. Angela Ruggiero is joined by the brilliant Natara Holloway the VP Business Operations and Strategy of the Football Operations group at the NFL. Natara has worked at the league office since 2004, and is truly leading the focus at the league office on how technology and innovation can shape the on-field product, the sideline, the hiring process of coaches, the fan experience, and much more. Tune in and learn about data and strategy from one of the best minds in sports, and visit our YouTube Channel to watch the full show.
ASK DAVYEON ROSS ANYTHING
The Sportico and Sports Innovation Lab Ask __ Anything Series continues May 13th at 1pm ET with special guest Davyeon Ross the Co-Founder, President and COO of ShotTracker. An innovative technology leader and widely recognized entrepreneur, Davyeon has almost 20 years of experience in the technology sector. Ross is Co-founder / President of DDSports Inc. of which ShotTracker is the first product. ShotTracker is a sensor-based technology providing comprehensive real-time stats & analytics to players, coaches and fans in practice and live games. Sign up now and reserve your spot!
The Fan Project Spotlight
YOU CAN STILL REDEEM A FREE T-SHIRT, TOTE BAG, OR
$15 FANATICS GIFT CARD
There’s still time to join the movement to support women’s sports. By donating your Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram data, you can help show the sports industry the business case for women’s sports. We know there's an untapped and pent-up demand for women’s sports. We’re going to use real fan data to prove it!