Sports Take A Timeout, But Social Media Stays In The Game: Part 2

As the sports world is at a standstill for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19, teams, leagues, athletes, and brands are entering a “new normal”. With the postponement of sporting events like the French Open and The Masters to regular seasons spanning from the EPL, LaLiga, the NBA, and the NHL, social media is one bright spot – as we highlighted in Part 1 of our blog series.

No live TV sports coverage means social media content can continue to forge ahead. Content teams are dealt a unique hand, but they have numerous ways to be engaging and thoughtful, while still driving exposure for brands.

The Blinkfire team has scrolled through timeline feeds the last few days, finding some of the most innovative and creative posts in sports that are using podcasts, quizzes, games, “train from home”, and more to continue to engage with their fans.

1. Live Press Conferences – With A Twist

Press conferences are on hold, so teams are using live streaming of players and coaches to answer fans’ questions.

2. Podcasts With Players

Pass the mic to players to start generating content for your team’s social channels. 

3. FIFA Tournament: Organize a challenge among your roster players

European soccer clubs are continuing play with FIFA match ups.

4. Thank You Posts – During A Time of Uncertainty

There’s a trend in Spain during quarantine where residents look out their windows at 8pm and clap as a “thank you” to all healthcare personnel. Teams are posting images and videos of fans and players clapping — whether in-game or during a great goal.

5. Games & Fun – Interact With fans

Create game content like Scrabble, math problems, and more to keep fans engaged.

6. Games & Fun – Interact with other teams

Teams are not only creating games to engage with fans, but also with other teams. The friendly competition includes a tic-tac-toe match that Real Ovideo did with LaLiga teams.

7. Players Training at Home

Suggest to your team’s players to bring fans inside their home as they train. Pro Tip: Aim for players to wear their club’s jersey.

8. At-Home Training

Get your fans moving at home. Post videos or organize a live stream, so your followers can workout with your team’s trainer.