SPORTBIZ EUROPE 2024 I How Can Sports Organisations Accelerate Commercial Growth?
As the sports industry evolves, the path to commercial growth increasingly depends on strategic investments and partnerships. At Sportbiz Europe 2024 in Barcelona, our Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder, Jean-Baptiste Alliot, led a panel discussion with top industry leaders, including Gustavo Arellano Jorge of FIBA, Dan Wood of the World Freestyle Football Association, and Luis Vicente of APEX. Together, they explored how cross-sector collaborations are driving innovation and creating long-term value for sports businesses. The panel covered key topics such as optimising existing revenue streams, developing new business models, and the critical factors fueling growth in today’s rapidly changing sports landscape.
Gustavo, highlighted the importance of long-term strategic partnerships over short-term private equity investments. He used FIBA's collaboration with companies like DAZN and Infront as examples of how shared vision and strategic alignment led to the successful expansion of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, boosting global presence and revenue. The partnership approach, which focused on joint growth rather than mere financial transactions, was crucial in reshaping FIBA's key properties.
Dan Wood, emphasised the value of authenticity in niche sports. He described how strategic brand partnerships, such as with Red Bull, helped elevate freestyle football globally, reaching billions of views through digital channels. Dan stressed that for emerging sports, building a genuine culture around the sport is essential, allowing partnerships to develop naturally rather than rushing into short-term deals.
Luis Vicente, Chairman of APEX, offered the investor’s perspective, explaining the importance of having a clear process and long-term vision when evaluating sports properties. He underscored the potential in new sports and emerging competitions, including women's sports, which he believes present opportunities for substantial growth in the next decade. Luis emphasised the need for patience and strategic partnerships that align with a sport’s long-term objectives.
Watch the entire discussion below:
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