#hyhsport

[hyhpopculture]

NBA colonisation continues

Observation: The NBA and ETV have struck a deal where ETV will flight 65 games over the 19/20 season, including one Christmas Day game, NBA All-Star, the NBA Conference Finals, The Finals, and weekly magazine show NBA Action.

Why: The NBA has proved incredibly successful at exporting itself outside of the USA. Neither basketball nor Football have managed to achieve the same success. The value of the game continues to grow, with NBA Africa league growing, working as a recruiting ground for USA teams which currently have 80 African players on their books. Big money also comes into it, whether from player recruitment or from shirt sales and media money the NBA is chasing the dollars.

Future: We can expect to see massive growth in the interest in Basketball, (tall) young kids will consider that a legitimate job opportunity. With the growing issues the NBA has in China the NBA will continue to fight for value in other developing nations.  - BR

[hyhpopculture]

Influencers worth more than £30 Million

Observation: In a recent high court ruling in the UK, Nike and Liverpool FC (LFC) got the green light to start their relationship after an injunction from current LFC sponsor New Balance (NB) was turned down.  NB had the right to counteroffer sponsorship proposals for the right to sponsor LFC, and with NB offering £30 Million more than Nike were, thought they had a good chance of challenging. Nike Offered £35 Million plus 20% of sales and access to Influencers Drake, Serena Williams, and Lebron James. Whereas New Balance currently pays LFC £65 Million per year.  The high court judge adjudicated that NB couldn't compete with access to such high profile sports people and denied their application, as well as the follow-up appeal. Why: Influence, is highly valued, especially in eastern nations like China, and Japan. Markets that Nike is powerful in, and LFC would like to be. - BR 

[hyhsocialmedia]

The Real Rugby Sensation

Observation: Bak- san, a Japanese rugby supporter, has become a real sensation as this super fan has got a lot of attention by painting his body in different flags at different matches supporting different teams. 

Why: Bak- san, his real name being Hiroshi Moriyama, has become a social media sensation by painting his torso in different flags of the rugby teams playing. He has tickets to 27 of the games. At the end of the tournament, he wants to have “worn” all 20 of the team’s jerseys. The official Rugby World Cup Twitter account even promotes the #BakSansBack encouraging supporters to post pictures with him. His spirit and super fan nature are one that breaks boundaries and he really embodies the positive and inclusive aspects of the sport. We all probably have something to learn from Bak- san.

Past: Japanese supporters are generally known to be quiet and respectful. Bak- san has broken out of this image and is making a statement. The first-ever Rugby World Cup hosted by Japan has been a special one and Japan’s enthusiasm and loving nature has been an infectious one, Bak- san seems to embody the nations spirit. 

- E