06. CONNECT // ADI.TV
Welcome to the 05. edition of CONNECT // ADI.tv. In our last edition, we celebrated the big projects that defined 2024 and transformed venues across the UK. This time, we’re focusing on the future, exploring what’s next for sports and leisure in 2025...
2025 in Sports and Leisure: Innovations Changing the Game
What will shape the future of sports and leisure in 2025?
Venue owners, sports clubs, and federations face a rapidly evolving landscape, driven by shifting fan expectations and emerging technologies. In this edition of CONNECT, we explore how trends are changing the game - and how to maximise opportunities in the year ahead.
Women's Sports: Leading the Way in 2025
Women’s sports are no longer just a growing niche - they’re a top growth opportunity in sports. Federations such as England Netball and the Netball Super League (NSL) are driving professionalisation, while high-profile events like the Women’s Super League, UEFA Women’s Euros, and the Rugby World Cup 2025 will be broadcast on major TV channels this year. This increased visibility is set to elevate the profile of women’s sports to new heights.
What’s driving this surge? A big part of the success lies in finding ways to truly engage and connect with fans. Today’s audiences, especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha, want more than just a game. Teams are building connections through athlete-driven social media, live-streaming, and short-form video content.
Matchdays now go beyond the sport itself. Pre-match entertainment, gamification (quizzes, polls, social walls), and shareable in-game moments all contribute to deeper fan loyalty. Our experience shows that innovative sports presentation can elevate less-established sports, creating lifelong fans in the process.
The Rise of Short-Form Sports
The sports landscape is also seeing a shift toward more dynamic, media-friendly experiences. Traditional sports are adapting to meet these demands with faster formats like cricket’s T20 and The Hundred, or tennis’s Red Bull Bassline. Meanwhile, newer sports like Pickleball, Padel tennis, and e-sports are thriving, alongside innovative competitions like the Baller League, which will expand to the UK and the US in 2025.
Why the appeal? These sports cater to younger audiences with shorter attention spans, offering continuous engagement through live experiences and broadcast content. At the heart of their success lies one key principle: keeping fans connected, entertained, and involved, both on and off the field.
Matchdays: More Than Just a Match
Football fans, even in lower leagues, expect more from their matchdays. New broadcast deals are seeing enhanced coverage delivered to more fans than ever, giving clubs opportunities to build audiences, both domestically and globally. Digital signage and perimeter solutions like digiBOARD will play a critical role during 2025, offering these clubs new revenue streams while enhancing fan engagement.
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But it’s not just about making money. Digital assets used for pre-match shows, engaging club content, and shareable “insta-worthy” moments can transform the stadium atmosphere. Clubs that focus on combining commercial returns with exceptional fan experiences will win big this year.
And What About Leisure and Retail?
Recent data highlights how Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) advertising consistently achieves a wider reach than traditional TV advertising, showcasing its potential to captivate audiences wherever they are.
However, LED screens are no longer just tools for DOOH - they're central to transforming how people engage with spaces. From dynamic, attention-grabbing displays in shopping centres like the Metro Centre or Trafford Centre to interactive installations in leisure destinations such as Printworks, screens offer unparalleled opportunities to enrich the visitor experience.
LED technology creates environments that inspire and captivate by combining live updates, promotional content, and creative storytelling. This makes every visit feel unique. As more venues adopt this trend, LED screens will play an increasingly pivotal role in enhancing visitor engagement and transforming spaces.
Looking Ahead
These trends show us one thing: the game is changing, and it’s changing fast. How will your venue keep pace? Let us help you to stay ahead.
Get in touch to see how we can Make Amazing Happen for you in 2025!
Tel: 0800 592 346 | Email: [email protected]
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