The NFL is one of America’s biggest sports. It’s not quite at the same level worldwide as others, but it’s enjoying a growing increase in popularity in recent years due to its emergence in new markets. The UK, Germany, and Brazil have each shown interest in the game, as they’ve hosted games over the last decade or so.
However, the product is yet to be truly global; something that the NFL aspires the sport to be. One way in which they can do that is to try and maximize the fan engagement that can be obtained through the game.
Technology and analytics can play a pivotal role in helping the league and its teams achieve this. We’ve already seen various implementations, and with the help of others, they are creating the best possible experiences for their fans in numerous ways.
How has the NFL optimized fan engagement so far?
Given the NFL's global appeal, technology has allowed the game to thrive further. Fans have been able to maximize their passion for the sport by engaging in various ways to get as much as they can out of it.
The league has created an app that allows fans to stay updated with everything across the league, whether it be news stories, opinions, insider stories, or highlights. At the same time, many daily fantasy sports sites allow players to get even more out of gamedays. By using an NFL Lineup Optimizer, players can create their own teams and cheer them on with a little added extra, thus enhancing the overall engagement that they might receive from a traditional weekend. For instance, they may find that they are cheering on players on a rival team instead of just focusing on their team.
Of course, there have been instances whereby teams around the league have also used tech to maximize fan engagement. Aside from the standard apps, some NFL stadiums are equipped with futuristic technologies that allow fans to enhance their passion for the game. The Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium is one such venue, where it is possible to have pictures taken with your favorite players through augmented reality technology.
Analytics have become a key part of the game for many, especially those who play fantasy sports or are interested in the statistical and strategic side of the sport. Broadcasters have been able to use analytics to make their programming more immersive and engaging, giving fans more details about what’s happening on the gridiron and why it’s happening. The availability of these analytics can give fans the chance to talk with others and engage in discussions or debates about what’s happening.
Could NFL fan engagement be improved?
Given the limitless boundaries that technology has shown, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we saw NFL fan engagement increase further in the future. Analytics are going to be a little harder, although it wouldn’t be a surprise if there were metrics created in the future that we’re not considering at the moment as an integral part of the game.
Fan engagement can always be improved, and it’s up to the NFL to find the best way to bring the action to its audience in the best way possible. If it doesn’t, it may find it harder to expand globally, which is part of its main mission statement.
