One of the key topics of discussion at the recent World Football Summit was fan engagement. As football clubs recognize their global presence and the fact that many fans will never attend a game at their stadium, they are focused on attracting new fans from around the world and engaging the younger generation of digital natives.
During two panels, ‘Fan Engagement and Evolving Paradigms’ and ‘The Young and Free: Engaging What Comes Next,’ industry heavyweights shared their thoughts on these issues. Some common themes emerged from the discussions. All clubs acknowledged the need to keep their global fan base engaged and were focused on implementing various digital and virtual experiences to achieve this.
For example, Arsenal FC’s Commercial Director, Olly Dale, revealed that the English Premier League club now has twice as many fans in the United States as in England. To keep fans engaged, Arsenal has developed a comprehensive plan that includes various digital experiences. Similarly, Eintracht Tech’s CEO, Tim Jäger, talked about how his firm built an app to manage interactions with fans of Eintracht Frankfurt, offering features like ticketing solutions and an e-commerce store.
Nadia Menmokhtar, Head of Brand Development at Paris Saint Germain, emphasized the importance of building a strong brand identity. With 95% of their fans residing abroad, Paris Saint Germain is focused on creating digital experiences that promote the club’s values.
The second panel also addressed the need to keep fans worldwide interested and highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making for fan engagement. This is where blockchain technology comes into play.
The BSV blockchain offers several solutions that can help football clubs achieve their fan engagement goals. First and foremost, the blockchain ensures data integrity by providing an immutable ledger that safeguards fan data from tampering, theft, or alteration. While club-branded apps serve as the front end for fan engagement, a secure blockchain back end enhances the overall fan experience.
In terms of engagement, the BSV blockchain enables the creation of 3D replicas of stadiums, allowing fans to tour them and attend virtual games. Blockchain-based platforms like Zetly can reward fans with NFTs, tickets to special events, and even micropayments for participating. Authentic digital memorabilia can be delivered directly to fans’ wallets through the blockchain.
The BSV blockchain facilitates peer-to-peer, two-way communication and engagement, surpassing the limitations of current social media platforms. For example, users can receive micropayments for boosting posts on social media, as demonstrated by apps like TonicPow. Moreover, the blockchain ensures transparency in how club funds are spent, aligning them with fans’ values.
Football industry leaders should seriously consider how the BSV blockchain can help them reach their goals. With its scalability and ability to enable innovative fan engagement experiences, the BSV blockchain is a perfect match for the football industry.
In conclusion, fan engagement is a top priority for football clubs, and the discussion at the World Football Summit emphasized the importance of attracting and keeping fans worldwide interested. Blockchain technology, specifically the BSV blockchain, offers numerous solutions for enhancing fan engagement, ensuring data integrity, and creating authentic and rewarding experiences. The football industry should embrace the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize the way fans engage with the sport.
