We are at a time of unprecedented commercial opportunity in global sports. Barriers to entry have never been lower. More markets around the world than ever before are receptive to the power of sports. It’s never been easier to reach millions—even billions—of fans.
This vast opening up of opportunity brings an increase in competition: for sponsors, for media revenue, for fan attention. Sports must work harder than ever to obtain, retain and grow their fan bases and revenue streams.
That work starts with understanding what is happening in the industry and figuring out what it means for your organization. We interviewed industry executives from brands, media and rights holders around the world, and cross-referenced with input from our own experts to present an outline of the most important broad trends shaping the sports business landscape in 2018.