Uncategorized

On Saturday the independent AFL news, the fan site of the Arena Football League, had a very upbeat piece about how the league could continue to rally as the number one fan-friendly sports league, even in questionable economic times. There were solid features about the Philadelphia Soul open tryout in Pittsburgh, and the Tampa Storm …

We have all seen the effects and fear and potential cost cutting measures that teams and brands are putting into effect to safeguard profitability should the economy worsen. Now while many have taken the prudent approach to guard their best assets and look for more ROI, some have chosen to move ahead with long term …

With Sara Palin set for Saturday's puck drop in Philly, and NBA players like LeBron James, Greg Oden and Alonzo Mourning all speaking publicly in support of Senator Barack Obama this past week, it was interesting and noteworthy see the way the Cleveland Browns addressed the issue and opportunity of athletes in a football-crazed and …

The NHL has come out firing and grabbed the attention of the casual sports fan and the business partner through a successful “NHL Rocks” campaign, well attended and competitive games in Europe, a sensational centennial campaign by the Canadiens and a rebirth of the Blackhawks brand in Chicago, all of which is overshadowing problems in …

When looking to stage the excitement of a product in a new environment.leagues will often take the cautious approach and go with preseason exhibitions or friendlies.?More recently both MLB and the NFL have taken the strides to play regular season games around the world, which is usally .better representation of product, and sends the messages …

Monday's Dancing with the Stars sa.AVP crocs legend and Olympic Gold medlaist Misty May Treanor suffer an achilles tendo.injury that forced her out of the competition and may end her long and highly successful beach volleyball career. The interesting thing, as David Schwab points out in the First Call blog, is that the injury may …

Maybe the most moribund franchise in North American sports, the Tampa Rays underwent one of the best turnarounds on the field in recent memory. As the accolades for the front office staff and players pour in as the playoffs move ahead, the downside of losing and lack of brandbuilding was still evident as the season …

As teams below the big three (plus NASCAR.search for non-traditiona.ways to tell their stories, identify audience and connect with the casual fan, the digital and the high school market are becoming of more and more value. This weekend the New York Red Bulls found a way to tie the two together by creating a high …

The fantasy sports space continues to grow expontentially with each passing season. While industry leaders like Rotohog.com get set to launch NBA games on NBA.com and the NFL fantasy space is great water cooler chatter each week, it is always interesting to see what the players…those who both play AND participate…can do in the space. …

The New Jersey Nets ar.always looking for ways to engage fans and take away objections when it comes to ticket purchasing and brand building.