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SLICED
Rights holders embrace a new generation of fans
GOLFSIXES EXCITES YOUTH SAHARA FORCE INDIA
With an ageing fanbase, it comes as no
surprise that golf is looking to revolutionise
the sport, with new innovative technology and
tournament formats the key to attracting a
new wave of golf fans. The new GolfSixes
tournament looks to appeal to a younger
audience through the exciting introduction of
a shot clock and a celebrity pro-amateur
tournament. It’s not long until these types of
tournaments become a stalwart of golf. Formula One team Sahara Force India have
recently struck a £1m partnership with
SportBible, the third biggest sports site in the
world. The move looks to further enhance Force
India’s opportunities in delivering a unique
angle of F1 to the smartphone -first generation.
Under the terms of the agreement, SportBible
will have exclusive access to the team and will
create an array of video content; such as
interviews, challenges and behind-the-scenes.
NEXT GEN ATP TOUR FINALS FC SCHALKE MICROCHIP KIT
The ATP Tour have outlined their interest in
the next generation of tennis fans. Experts
and studies suggest that millennials and Gen -
Z audiences prefer faster tempo sports. ATP
president Chris Kermode is pioneering the
movement with the NEXT GEN Finals in
Milan. This includes short sets, shots clocks
and no lets. It has the potential to
reinvigorate the world of tennis and is one to
watch this summer. Before this years Bundesliga finale, FC
Schalke announced an exciting prospect for
next seasons kit. The replica football shirts
will include a microchip in the sleeve to allow
fans to buy both food and drink within the
stadium. With the convenience of a cashless
system, FC Schalke are keeping with the
contactless trend, whilst it’s likely the
microchip could have a positive impact on
crowd control within the stadium, leading to an
overall better fan experience.
MOST ECO TEAM IN SPORT? AUSTRALIAN BIG BASH LEAGUE
With consumers becoming increasingly
interested in a company's social
responsibility, Forest Green Rovers are
aiming to become the most sustainable
football club in the world. In the past,
football and sustainability have been seen as
incompatible, however owner Dale Vince’s
initiatives, such as an independent pitch
irrigation and a meat free menu have
combatted this. Will other teams follow suit? Give the people what they want…? The BBL
is about attracting new viewers to cricket.
It’s about kids, it’s about families and it’s
about females… and not necessarily targeted
to the traditional cricket fans. Cricket
Australia have hit for six by introducing an
exciting form of cricket to a new generation.
This includes non-stop entertainment, with
player’s being mic’d up, 3 hour games,
helmet cams, fireworks and cheerleaders!