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Summer 2024 brought fans an enthralling summer of sport across Europe. A pulsating Euro 2024 in Germany saw Spain finish as champions, becoming the tournament’s most decorated team. We then sat back and enjoyed the return of the Olympic Games against an inspiring Parisian backdrop. Team USA impressed when topping the medal table, ending well clear of nearest rivals China and Japan. But the fun and games haven’t finished just yet.
The 2024/25 English Premier League season begins this weekend as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils eager to get off to a winning start. You can follow the remaining 19 fixtures from round one across Saturday, Sunday, and into Monday evening. Other major teams you can follow live on television this term include Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham who all hold realistic claims of challenging for the title.
There’s plenty to get excited about, and you can read the latest Bovada review, find the best Premier League betting odds, and predict the results. It promises to be a memorable campaign as the teams aim to halt Manchester City’s dominance.
Know your options
Premier League soccer is fast-paced, unpredictable, engaging, and fun to follow. Just like investing your cash in the stock market, you can use your sports knowledge to spot value and target a profit. But there are other options available to sports fans hoping to make the coming campaign pay.
Did you know you can use your passion for sports to boost your investment portfolio? Many fans believe gambling is the only way to earn money from sports, but that’s not the case, and we explain it all in this article.
Keep reading our team of soccer enthusiasts and investment professionals explain how you can safely and intelligently invest in professional sports this year. We cover team share ownership, sports-related businesses, sponsorships, and other attractions. By the end of this article, you’ll know the options available and how you can take your next step into sports investments.
Ownership
One of the most direct and potentially rewarding ways to invest in professional sports is by purchasing an ownership stake in a sports team. Due to the substantial capital required, this avenue is generally reserved for high-net-worth individuals and investment groups. Ownership can be either majority or minority, with each carrying different levels of influence over team decisions.
Sports franchises have historically appreciated in value over time. For example, the value of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys has soared over the decades, making the team one of the most valuable sports franchises globally.
Owners can benefit from multiple revenue streams, including ticket sales, merchandising, broadcasting rights, and sponsorship deals. The growing popularity of global sports leagues has led to significant increases in media rights contracts, contributing to higher revenues.
Owning a sports team offers a unique blend of business influence and personal prestige. It allows owners to be involved in key decisions regarding team management, player acquisition, and branding strategies.
Businesses
Another way to tap into the sports industry’s potential is by investing in businesses that operate within the sports ecosystem. This includes sports apparel companies, equipment manufacturers, media companies, and even tech firms focused on sports analytics and performance enhancement.
The sports industry encompasses a wide range of sectors, allowing investors to diversify their portfolios. For example, investing in a sportswear company like Nike or Adidas offers exposure to the global demand for athletic apparel and footwear.
Many sports-related businesses are experiencing rapid growth, driven by trends such as the increasing focus on fitness and wellness, the rise of eSports, and advancements in wearable technology.
Investors can buy shares in publicly traded companies involved in sports, which provides liquidity and the ability to trade on major stock exchanges.
Sponsorship
Sponsorships and endorsements represent a more strategic way to invest in sports. By sponsoring teams, events, or individual athletes, companies can gain significant brand exposure, which can lead to increased sales and market share.
Sponsoring major sporting events or athletes can provide unparalleled brand exposure. For example, Coca-Cola’s long-term sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup has solidified its presence on a global stage.
Sports sponsorship allows companies to target specific demographics effectively. By aligning with a sport or athlete that resonates with their target audience, companies can enhance brand loyalty and recognition.
Endorsing athletes can be a powerful way to influence consumer behavior. Athletes often have dedicated fan bases that trust their recommendations, making endorsements a highly effective marketing tool.
Properties
Investing in sports-related real estate, such as stadiums, arenas, and sports complexes, presents another lucrative opportunity. These properties can generate significant revenue through ticket sales, concessions, naming rights, and hosting various events beyond sports, such as concerts and conventions.
Stadiums and arenas can generate a steady income through regular events, including sports matches, concerts, and exhibitions. This provides a reliable revenue stream for investors.
Real estate investments, especially in prime locations, appreciate over time. The construction of new stadiums or sports complexes can also boost local real estate values, benefiting surrounding properties.
Sports facilities often play a vital role in their communities, serving as hubs for local events and fostering a sense of pride and identity. It can lead to positive externalities, such as increased local business activity.
Technology
The intersection of sports and technology presents a burgeoning field for investment. It includes everything from wearable fitness trackers and performance analytics tools to virtual reality (VR) sports experiences and eSports platforms.
Sports technology is a rapidly evolving sector with significant growth potential. Innovations such as AI-driven analytics, VR training tools, and advanced wearable devices are transforming the way athletes train, and fans engage with sports.
Investing in sports technology allows investors to participate in disruptive innovations that can reshape entire segments of the industry. For example, companies developing VR sports experiences are revolutionizing fan engagement by offering immersive viewing experiences.
Many sports technologies have applications beyond the sports industry, such as in healthcare, education, and entertainment. This broadens the potential market and increases the chances of success.
