Business and Youth

 

 


Group A
1. Since the turn of the century in 2000, what three changes in society have most affected
the business model for professional sports franchises. Explain briefly how each change
directly affected pro sports. How have business analytics changed professional sports in
the past decade?
2. What specific changes would you propose to the sports media coverage of pro sport that
would enhance the experience for you personally? What specific changes would you
propose to pro sports leagues and teams to enhance the fan experience for in-person
attendance at games?
3. If you were responsible for a community budget for sport, what proportions of funding
would you allocate to high performance and participation sport. Justify your answer and
give specific examples? Does commercializing in sport promote your values? Why or
why not?
Group B
1. What could be done to drastically reduce the high sports participation dropout rate that is
currently about 80 percent during the years between ages 14 and 18? Identity five key
barriers to greater youth participation in sports and physical activity. Suggest who should
lead in finding solutions to each one and a brief explanation of how these barriers could
be removed.
2. After studying the long-term trends of increasing physical inactivity of American citizens
of all ages, if you were the president of the United States what would you propose to do
to reverse that trend? List at least five key changes that you would propose to the U.S.
Congress to enact laws that would provide incentives to American organizations,
businesses, and state and local governments to change daily habits of the public.
3. We know that children who are exposed to sports in physical education classes in school
are much more likely to continue participation in sport or physical activity later in life.
What changes should be made to school physical education requirements to make them
an even more effective tool to increase physical activity for the lifespan? Would you
allow substitution of physical education credit for participation in interscholastic sports,
marching band, Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps and extracurricular activities
sponsored by and held in the district but that are not part of the required school
curriculum.

 

Sample Answer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group A

 

Three Changes Affecting Professional Sports since 2000 🏈 Since 2000, professional sports franchises' business models have been most affected by three major societal changes: technology, social media, and globalization.

Technology: The shift to digital streaming and on-demand content has fragmented the traditional broadcast market. This has forced leagues and teams to diversify revenue streams beyond linear television contracts, leading to the creation of their own digital platforms and direct-to-consumer services. Technology has also enhanced the in-stadium experience with mobile apps, interactive scoreboards, and in-seat ordering.

Social Media: This change has broken the traditional communication barrier between teams/athletes and fans. It has allowed franchises to build direct relationships with their fans, bypass traditional media outlets, and create personalized marketing campaigns. For athletes, social media has enabled them to build powerful personal brands and secure individual endorsement deals, shifting some of the economic power away from the franchise.

Globalization: The ease of international travel and media consumption has turned many professional sports leagues, like the NBA and Premier League, into global brands. This has opened up massive new markets for merchandise sales, international media rights, and sponsorships. Teams now actively recruit international players and host global events to expand their fan bases and revenue streams worldwide.

Business analytics have changed professional sports in the past decade by moving decision-making from intuition to data. On the field, analytics are used for player performance optimization (e.g., using GPS trackers to manage player load and prevent injuries), scouting (e.g., finding undervalued talent with specific metrics), and in-game strategy (e.g., determining shot selection in basketball or defensive formations in football). Off the field, analytics are used for fan engagement by creating personalized marketing campaigns, optimizing ticket pricing based on demand, and identifying new revenue opportunities by understanding fan behavior and preferences.