How the Live Sports Industry Will Evolve in 2021
As COVID-19 rapidly swept across the country last spring, the sports industry had no choice but to pivot—and pivot quickly. Teams and franchises scrambled to find new ways to help protect the safety of their athletes, staff and fans. And as the majority of games became delayed—or in some cases, canceled altogether—suddenly there was a growing emphasis on generating revenue from lost ticket sales, once each respective league returned to competition. Teams learned how to interact with fans in new ways and focused on reinvigorating lost enthusiasm while navigating evolving safety guidelines and restrictions. From social media-centric events to interactive apps and virtual game-day attendance, the sports industry has only continued to evolve in the face of the pandemic. Here’s what still lies ahead in 2021. The Lasting Impact of COVID-19 There’s nothing like the disappointment of anticipating a sports season only to have it delayed, or worse, canceled....
