Winning with Data in the Business of Sports

This new edition of the bestselling book shares the processes and principles used to implement a data-driven approach to decision-making, targeted marketing, and digital transformation, emulating the approach of brands such as Netflix, Amazon and Spotify but framed for the unique challenges and opportunities of the sports industry.

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New technologies mean that sports clubs and governing bodies are generating more data than ever to help manage their relationship with fans, their performance, and their income streams. This new edition of Winning with Data in the Business of Sports explains how to acquire, store, maintain, and use data in the most effective ways. The key developments are three-fold: new technology, new understanding of how to apply that technology, and the new laws informing and controlling the data that can be generated from the technology.

Important developments that have occurred since the publication of the first edition include the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on these unique challenges coupled with the opportunities the use of data creates, this book is essential reading for professionals within the sports industry. This second edition includes:

- An introduction to new technologies, the data they generate, and the supporting processes we need to have in place to use them.

- Brand new case studies with recent examples of creative applications from clubs, teams, leagues, and governing bodies, including Arsenal, AS Roma, ICC Cricket World Cup, LA Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and UEFA.

- The sports industry’s response to tighter data legislation introduced primarily though the GDPR.

- The role of data and direct engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The book provides clear guidance and knowledge that sports industry professionals need to understand the role of data for the business side of sports. It is essential reading for sports clubs, governing bodies and those working in sports marketing, media and communications, sponsorship, merchandise, ticketing, events, and participation development. The book will also be of interest to students of sports management.