How are Football Clubs Becoming Media Powerhouses?

It’s no longer enough for a football club to do the business on the pitch – they also need to have a multimedia franchise behind them to connect with fans. Some of the biggest clubs in the world have already leveraged this, and a few smaller sides have found it’s a great way to boost their chances as well.

Fans are the beneficiaries here, as they get to enjoy club-created content that spans various platforms. This trend looks set to get bigger and better in the years ahead.

Sports Enjoying More Attention Across Entertainment Industries

Sports constantly need to adapt to changes in society, including technology. Indeed, it’s this willingness to evolve that has kept some of the oldest sports alive for so long. Horse racing, for instance, always moves with the times, and there have been regular technological upgrades to the sport. It has also branched out into entertainment, with countless horse racing slots like Slingo Racing and Big Bass Day at the Races. These give a wider audience a new way to enjoy horse racing.

Football has done the same, with countless technological innovations improving the way people view the sport. These have included goal line technology and VAR, but also analysis tools that pundits can use to explain the game. Football games are some of the most popular in the gaming industry too, as they allow people to imagine what it would be like to be a professional footballer. It’s clear that people can’t get enough of football related content, which is why many clubs are now making their own.

Football Clubs Providing Their Own Media Platforms Now

There are a few clubs that have already developed their own thriving media platforms, and there will be many more to follow. Manchester City is an excellent model for others to replicate, with City+ offering original documentaries and exclusive interviews to subscribers. There are plenty of other big names getting in on this as well, with Barcelona’s Barca TV+ and Juventus running Juventus TV.

There are loads of benefits for clubs that decide to eschew the traditional media routes and create their own content. It means that can maintain full control and ensure that viewers only see authentic content. It’s also a great way to build relationships with global fans and tailor content to particular groups.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

With many clubs now operating like entertainment studios as well as football teams, it’s likely that this will soon become the norm. Indeed, in the future, fans may connect with clubs via their entertainment options first and then go on to watch them on the pitch.

As new technology comes about, clubs could offer even more immersive experiences. For instance, virtual reality could be used to give viewers a view of the match from a player’s perspective. AI could also help personalise the fan experience to different people.

Football clubs are now taking advantage of the franchise era, where it makes sense to be represented across different platforms. This will massively enhance the fan experience, and give people new ways to connect with teams.