Unveiling the future of fan engagement: A paradigm shift in sports entertainment

In a recent discussion at the AIBC Eurasia conference on the future of fan engagement, Adam de Cata, the founder of Run It Wild, reflects on the evolution of sports fandom, emphasizing the transformative potential of Web3 technology and the role it plays in reshaping the relationship between fans and their favourite teams. Drawing on personal experiences, particularly from a luxury safari event in Kenya, he expresses frustration with traditional engagement models that often leave fans feeling like mere customers.

The Power of Web3 and Digital Media

The speaker acknowledges that we are in a pivotal moment where technology, especially within the realm of Web3 and digital media, enables a level of engagement previously unattainable. This technological advancement sparks a crucial question: What will the future hold for sports and entertainment enthusiasts?

Current Fan Engagement Landscape

As of now, being a fan often entails financial commitments through subscriptions, physical tickets, merchandise purchases, and year-long memberships. The speaker highlights the significant financial dedication fans invest in supporting their favourite teams or entertainers. The traditional model provides rewards, but they are often limited to a single season.

Web3 Technology and Fan Rewards

The speaker passionately advocates for the power of Web3 technology in reshaping fan engagement. Specifically, the concept of Sports DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) is explored as a governance tool that returns voting and decision-making power to the fans. While acknowledging the speculative nature of some DAOs, the speaker believes in the potential of this technology to empower fans.

Loyalty Memberships and Blockchain Benefits

The discussion delves into the idea that loyalty memberships should leverage blockchain technology to offer fans choices and rewards. By using digital assets and blockchain benefits, fans can share rewards, sell them, or use them for personal benefit. The speaker emphasizes the underestimated and undervalued aspect of choice in the sports fan experience.

Virtual Worlds and Enhanced Experiences

Looking ahead, Adam de Cata envisions a future where virtual worlds, facilitated by mobile devices, augmented reality, and VR, enhance the fan experience. This includes gaining more data, personalized viewing options, and an overall heightened engagement with sports events.

Adam encourages fans to actively engage with new technologies, provide feedback, and challenge the status quo. The role of developers and builders is underscored, urging them to set benchmarks for the possibilities of fan engagement. The audience is reminded that, despite the progress, we are still far from realizing the full potential of what fan engagement could become.

The key takeaway is a call for fans to demand to be rewarded rather than treated solely as customers in this rapidly evolving landscape.