In today’s digital age, sports fans are more connected than ever before. They have access to an abundance of content across various platforms and channels. To further engage and reward fans, sports leagues, teams and organizations are exploring innovative ways to provide real-time rewards.
These rewards not only enhance the fan experience but also foster a deeper sense of loyalty and connection. So, let’s explore the concept a little further and its potential to revolutionize the way fans engage with their favourite teams and athletes.
Immediate gratification
Real-time rewards offer fans immediate gratification, allowing them to feel connected and valued as active participants in the sports ecosystem.
These rewards can take various forms, including exclusive content, discounts on merchandise, priority access to tickets, virtual meet-and-greets with players, and much more.
By providing these rewards in real-time, sports teams can leverage the excitement and energy surrounding live events, making the fan experience even more immersive and memorable.
Instant memorabilia
One of the most interesting areas of real-time rewards – at least in our opinion – is sports memorabilia.
In Deloitte’s ‘2023 sports fan insights’ report, almost a quarter of the fans quizzed said they want shopping experiences integrated into their sports streaming services. Even with limited ability to do so, 13% of sports fans purchase memorabilia or merchandise while watching live sporting events.
Millennials have a particular penchant for this type of fan engagement. Imagine what their appetite for this activity would be if they were given the opportunity to instantly bid on a ball that Aaron Judge literally just hit out of the park! Or a pair of Max Verstappen’s race gloves after he claimed yet another F1 victory!
Time to embrace real-time?
Technology has a pivotal role to play in facilitating real-time rewards for sports fans. Mobile apps, personalized fan platforms and loyalty programs can be leveraged to deliver rewards instantly to fans’ devices.
With the rise of smartphones and the increasing use of mobile apps, sports organizations can provide fans with a seamless and interactive experience.
Push notifications and in-app alerts can inform fans about upcoming rewards, promotions, or exclusive opportunities to bid on unique items, ensuring they don’t miss out on any exciting benefits.
Embracing real-time rewards is a proactive step toward cultivating a passionate and dedicated fan base and opening up new revenue streams.
If you don’t have the technology in place to enable exciting and immersive features like in-game auctions, you’re losing out. Scale traffic, grow revenue and delight customers with a little help from Commerce Dynamics. Talk to the team today!