In November 2009, I introduced a series of articles I called ‘Social Media Report Card,’ where I graded each of the four major sports leagues – NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB – on their social media presence. I made a point of being harsh. In particular, I criticized each of the leagues for only utilizing…
adidas + UCF + Marcus Jordan – adidas = ???
It came as no surprise to learn that adidas and the University of Central Florida ended their eight-year $3 million marketing relationship five years early, last month. In what seemed to be a case of miscommunication and disagreement over whether UCF basketball player Marcus Jordan could wear his father Michael’s signature Nike shoes during Knights’…
Twitter and the Premier League
(This is a guest article by Ash Read) The social media phenomenon is still taking off here in the UK, especially amongst our sports teams and athletes, who are severely behind their US counterparts. We’ve yet to see a sporting superstar utilize social media to the same level as Shaq, Dwight Howard and others have…
Sports Business Weekly Buzz
ESPN 3D to show soccer, football, more Sports broadcasting will enter a new dimension in 2010…the third dimension, as ESPN will unveil the industry’s first 3-D network. ESPN 3D will showcase a minimum of 85 live sporting events during its first year beginning June 11 with the first 2010 FIFA World Cup match, featuring South…
Interview with Kevin Lynch, Sports Writer
This week Matt Crevin from Voice of the Box interviews writer Kevin Lynch. Kevin has been covering the NFL for 21 years and explains his role as well as the keys to staying current in the ever changing world of sports journalism.
What Happened to the Old Gilbert Arenas?
Update: Today, Gilbert Arenas was suspended indefinitely and without pay from the National Basketball Association. Keep in mind that this article was published before the suspension was announced. A couple of months ago, I wrote a post about Gilbert Arenas, calling him the true pioneer of social media. Far before Shaq had 2.7 million followers…
Top 9 Ways To Break Into Sports
(This is a guest article by Mark Washo) I host a weekly online Sports Management chat as an Adjunct Professor for Sports Management Worldwide where I’m able to invite guest speakers from within the sports industry to participate. Over the past few months the students have learned from executives at many top teams, companies and…
Tim Tebow’s Marketing Potential
I am tired of hearing “football experts” opinion that Tim Tebow does not have the make-up to be an NFL quarterback. “He’s too heavy.” “He starts his throwing motion too close to the ground.” “He takes too long to release the ball.” “He does not find the open receiver.” “His build is more suited for…
Welcome Back…Now Get Selling!
The holidays have passed us by, it’s 2010, and for those of us who hibernated for several days, it means it’s time to get back to work. Over the years I’ve seen an inordinate number of people give me excuses why it’s not the “right time” to sell someone right after the holidays: “Everyone’s hung…
Interview with the Player Participation Crew
This week Matt Crevin of Voice of the Box interviews the player participation crew. Each team within the NFL has a crew like this at work to document every play. They determine which players are in each and every play from scrimmage. Learn about this behind the scenes role with a heavy emphasis on sports…
Will Social Media Become Ambush Marketing’s Favorite New Ammo?
As we turn the page and look ahead to 2010, let us address a topic most marketers have a strong opinion on: ambush. Whether you believe ambush marketing of official events is creative and cost-efficient or an unethical and illegal mortal marketing sin, the fact is 2010 will see more of it than many marketers…
Florida Football Coach Provides PR Case Study to End the Year
Just when you thought you could put the finishing touches on your year-end list of best/worst stories, University of Florida football coach, Urban Meyer, added yet another chapter to 2009’s book of sports public relations case studies. On Saturday, all modes of media went into overdrive when the 45-year-old two-time national champion coach announced he…
Sports Business Weekly Buzz
TV Revs: ’09 Down 22%, Rise Predicted in ’10 By Wayne Friedman BIA/Kelsey, a financial advisor to local media companies, estimates that TV stations’ ad revenues will rise 3% in 2010 — or $500 million — to $16.1 billion. The media group now says 2009 will end at $15.6 billion, down 22.4% from last year’s…
Top 10 Sports/Social Media Trends of 2010
Jason Peck recently asked 16 sports industry thought leaders (a few of us who write here among them) to share their thoughts and predictions for sports and social media in 2010. The result was an awesome ebook full of some solid insights. In this post I’d like to build off the foundation Jason (and the…
Interview with Mark Allan of NFL Films
Matt Crevin of Voice of the Box interviews Mark Allan from NFL Films. Mark is a seasoned professional and takes us through his role as camera operator. He also shares what companies like NFL Films looks for from young up and coming talent looking to break into this unique piece of the sports business.
University of Alabama Cancels Classes for BCS Title Game and Escapes PR Wringer
Am I the only one who finds that the University of Alabama canceling classes January 6-8, thus postponing the start of its spring semester so its students and faculty can attend the BCS National Championship game in Pasadena, Calif., ironic? I’m all for giving Crimson Tide fans calendar flexibility to travel to see their team…