FROM WHAT TO WHY

FROM WHAT TO WHY

The traditional role of athletes.

Before the digital revolution, an athlete's role was typically limited to training, competing, and winning. Athletes had to rely on rightsholders and traditional media to amplify their events, results, and stories, including the ‘Who, What, Where, and When’ of their events and their broader stories.

Real-time sports information.

In the era of sports-as-entertainment, we get the ‘Who, What, Where, and When’ of sports in real time. This shift requires media outlets and opinion makers to explain the ‘Why,’ and that’s a whole different ball game! While pundits and columnists can only ‘poke, project, and provoke,’ athletes know their ‘Why’ better than anyone else. The commoditization of content creation and distribution enables athletes to delve into their own 'Why' and establish a direct, personal connection with their audience.

The rise of athlete creators.

The rise of the athlete creator, influencer, and entrepreneur has coincided with the shift from 'What' to 'Why.' Athletes, once relatively unknown or largely one-dimensional, are now evolving into more rounded, imperfect humans, activists, entrepreneurs, and investors who actively shape the future of sports. This transformation is not just changing the role of the athlete but also reshaping the industry, from how fans consume events to how they spend their well-earned cash.

The shift from "What" to "Why."

Genuine, long-term connections require distinctiveness, consistency, and ongoing visibility. Relying on winning for occasional exposure has always been an extremely fragile model. Building a better brand is a more viable, reliable, and valuable alternative because it will boost your independence, influence, income, and overall impact.

Start building yours today.


要查看或添加评论,请登录

Thomas van Schaik的更多文章

  • WHY COMPETING WITH "YOUR" ATHLETES IS A LOSING GAME...

    WHY COMPETING WITH "YOUR" ATHLETES IS A LOSING GAME...

    Dear Insider, Welcome to the second Influence Insider of March. Athletes are no longer just competitors; they’re…

  • DID 'THE FOLLOWER' REALLY DIE?

    DID 'THE FOLLOWER' REALLY DIE?

    Dear Insider, Welcome to the first Influence Insider of March! This edition is packed with insights, opportunities, and…

    7 条评论
  • THE ILLUSION OF EXPOSURE.

    THE ILLUSION OF EXPOSURE.

    Dear Insider, Welcome to this edition, where we go beyond surface-level athlete branding, media, and influence. This…

    1 条评论
  • ATHLETES: YOUR BRAND DEALS ARE BROKEN

    ATHLETES: YOUR BRAND DEALS ARE BROKEN

    Dear Insider, The sports industry is shifting: fast! Every year, brands spend billions on sponsorships, but here’s a…

    1 条评论
  • THE HIDDEN COSTS OF LIKES AND SHARES

    THE HIDDEN COSTS OF LIKES AND SHARES

    Dear Insider, Welcome to the second Insider of 2025! In this edition, we dive into some of the most pressing topics and…

    1 条评论
  • Set a powerful foundation for 2025 and beyond

    Set a powerful foundation for 2025 and beyond

    Welcome to the first insider of 2025! As we enter 2025, the Athlete Era is coming in full swing. Athlete brands have…

  • REFLECT AND RESOLVE

    REFLECT AND RESOLVE

    Dear Insider, As the year ends, I find myself reflecting on an unforgettable 2024. It was the year my book was…

  • BUILD YOUR BEST YEAR YET

    BUILD YOUR BEST YEAR YET

    Dear Insider, As 2025 approaches, the sports industry is changing quickly. Athletes are no longer just competitors but…

  • WHY ARE THESE RECORD-BREAKING DEALS HAPPENING NOW?

    WHY ARE THESE RECORD-BREAKING DEALS HAPPENING NOW?

    The massive contracts of Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto aren’t just making headlines; they’re rewriting the industry…

  • MY STARTING DIGITAL LINE UP

    MY STARTING DIGITAL LINE UP

    Hi Insider, In this edition, I share practical tools, tips, and examples to help athletes build better brands in 2025…

社区洞察

其他会员也浏览了