As part of SportsBusiness Journal's 20th anniversary, many sports execs shared their predictions for Sports Business 2038. THE DAILY will roll out these over the next few days.
* USA Volleyball CEO JAMIE DAVIS: “Linear television will no longer be a primary means of sport consumption, yet live sports will still dominate consumer demand. New technologies will provide increased bandwidth allowing for more events to be transmitted and volleyball ... will be very prominently distributed. Professional volleyball in the United States will be a reality and be in the top seven followed leagues.”
* NBPA Exec Dir MICHELE ROBERTS: "I bet on the legalization of sports gambling in 2038. It along with the increased reliance on technology and data will significantly transform the way we watch and interact with sports.”
* The Whitener Company Principal LAWTON LOGAN: “Over the next 20 years, the sports audience will continue to fragment outside of the tent pole events -- Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, March Madness, World Series, World Cup, etc. -- and niche platforms will over-serve those loyal/rapid fan bases on demand. Also, the intersection of tech and wellness will become the focal point for all teams, leagues and athletes including: advancements in technology, strength conditioning, and nutrition/wellness will yield super athletes; advancements in health care will be able to replace organs and heal injuries much more quickly; pads, helmets and protection equipment will go through major advancements where injuries are less likely (excluding when a super athlete takes on a non-super athlete); traditional stick and ball sports will evolve due to health/wellness concerns; and the emergence of new sports, especially with the impact of immersive media, will play a meaningful role in the sports landscape.”
* Minor league team owner CHUCK GREENBERG: “The complete convergence/immersion of technology, athletes and sports properties to minimize barriers between fans/spectators/viewers and players/talent. Virtual reality, in-game data, tracking technology, social media, and low-tech miking of players (think MOOKIE BETTS' ‘I ain’t getting this one boys’) will more effectively personalize, humanize and connect the experience to assure sports remains the best reality programming.”
* Media consultant LEN DELUCA: “In 2038 I will be watching from Straight Wharf on Nantucket on my ‘Overtime Sports XX’ app where I will be able to see my nephews’ personal achievements instantly on the court -- and maybe in court -- alongside my menu of highlights and live action from pro and college. DAN PORTER's Overtime model will be the ultimate direct-to-consumer play -- he will have made the deals with the rightsholders so it’s one stop for me for sports. No reason for any other sports relationship -- except the NFL of course -- which will retain Red Zone exclusively on demand on all platforms. Amazon-owned CBSN will be my similar news source. And the Rose Bowl will be on Jan. 1 at 2 p.m. in Pasadena. Some things never change.”
