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Snapchat Creator: ‘ESPN Will Never Actually Talk To Young Sports Fans’

“ESPN won’t actually do anything about talking to kids and listening to what they want.”
Jordan Bondurant

Published

4 months ago

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It’s often said that the vast majority of sports have the hardest time connecting with younger audiences.

Baseball is one of the prime examples, with many believing the sport has lost significant ground with kids, teenagers and young adults. But one Gen Z content creator believes the NFL and ESPN have a disconnect as well.

Jack Settleman, who is a digital host for MSG Networks and founder of the popular SnapBack Sports Snapchat show, told Morning Consult the biggest thing with ESPN is that there are likely good intentions in terms of wanting to reach and connect with folks his age (26) and younger but they won’t actually follow through.

“ESPN won’t actually do anything about talking to kids and listening to what they want,” Settleman told Morning Consult. “Maybe ESPN will run a couple of studies, but no one on the ESPN social media team is going to be tasked with DM’ing kids asking, What do you like about our content? Do you spend more time on YouTube or Twitch?”

Jack added that there’s a level of screen appeal with talent you see on TV that just misses the mark with younger people.

“No kid cares about some commentator in a suit anymore,” he said. “It’s lifestyle, it’s streetwear brand. No one is conscious of that because it’s older decision-makers. Actually talk to the 23-year-old social media manager or the marketer who understands what the heck kids are doing and what they want.”

In terms of the NFL, Settleman is on pace to take SnapBack Sports to every Monday Night Football game this season. But one of the things he’s learned in going to and working with various home teams is that the experience at the game is sorely lacking.

“A majority of people who don’t go to games, I think, don’t have any interest because they’re not going to get a great experience,” he said. “And it’s not viewed as any form of entertainment, when really that’s what the entire game experience should be.”

“You don’t get the commentary,” he added. He noted particularly that the price of admission poses a hindrance for younger folks to go, and even if you do shell out a couple hundred bucks to get in the gates, it’s likely going to have you seated in some of the worst seats in the stadium. “If a play happens and it’s being challenged, I don’t know if it’s a good call or not unless I go on Twitter,” he said.

Settleman hopes that he can utilize his platform and spotlight some of the great things that come with making it out to games.

“This is about the importance of getting out to live sports,” he said. “I’m a huge believer in the idea that the best content for social media is found at a live sporting event.”

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Sports TV News

ACC Network Plots Coverage For Both Men’s & Women’s Final Four

“ESPN announced Thursday that its signature ACC Network shows Nothing But Net and ACC PM will be on location telling the story of the Miami men and the Virginia Tech women.”
Jordan Bondurant

Published

12 hours ago

on

March 31, 2023

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The ACC will be represented this weekend at both the men’s Final Four and the Women’s Final Four, and ACC Network will be on top of everything in Houston and Dallas.

ESPN announced Thursday that its signature ACC Network shows Nothing But Net and ACC PM will be on location telling the story of the Miami men and the Virginia Tech women. Nearly 20 hours of programming will be dedicated to the national semifinals and potentially the national championships.

Nothing But Net will be live from American Airlines Center in Dallas at the Women’s Final Four. Kelsey Riggs hosts, with Lexie Brown, Ivory Latta and Muffet McGraw joining her. Joel Berry II, Carlos Boozer and Luke Hancock will be at NRG Stadium in Houston at the men’s Final Four. Kelly Gramlich will also be adding women’s coverage.

Mark Packer and Taylor Tannebaum will be hosting ACC PM live in Houston today and potentially Monday if the Hurricanes make the title game.

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Sports TV News

Stephen A. Smith Launches Basketball Camp

“I’m honored that IMG Academy sees me as someone who can be an extension of its mission of empowering student-athletes to win in their future, preparing them for college and for life.”
Jordan Bondurant

Published

12 hours ago

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March 31, 2023

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ESPN host and personality Stephen A. Smith has partnered with IMG Academy in Florida to launch a basketball camp scheduled for this summer.

The First Take and K[no]w Mercy host will lend his name to the Stephen A. Smith Basketball Camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida from August 6-12.

“To have my own basketball camp associated with IMG Academy is an incredible opportunity for me to share my story and help inspire the next generation,” Smith said in a statement. “I’m honored that IMG Academy sees me as someone who can be an extension of its mission of empowering student-athletes to win in their future, preparing them for college and for life.”

Smith’s camp will offer attendees the opportunity to hear directly from the ESPN star himself. Campers will be able to participate in Q&A sessions all week.

“Providing advice on what it takes to succeed not only on the court, but also beyond the shot clock, is something I’m very passionate about,” Stephen A. said.

For those interested, the camp costs $2,899, but that includes branded gear that camp attendees will wear all week in addition to meals.

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Sports TV News

Adam Silver Addresses Disney Rumors at NBA Board of Governors Meeting

“I have no intention of going anywhere.”
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Published

21 hours ago

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March 30, 2023

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Adam Silver wants NBA team governors to know that he wants to keep working for them. The league commissioner addressed rumors that he is on a short list of potential successors for Bob Iger when he steps down from the CEO role at The Walt Disney Company in 2024.

Silver, whose contract with the NBA happens to expire in 2024, was asked directly if he had spoken with Iger or anyone else at Disney.

“I love my job at the NBA,” he reportedly said at a Board of Governors meeting. “I have no intention of going anywhere.”

The inclusion of Silver’s name on Iger’s list makes a lot of sense. The NBA and Disney have had a great relationship predating Silver taking over the commissioner’s role. ABC and ESPN are expected to renew their TV deal with the league this summer.

The two sides also partnered on a live entertainment complex at Disney Springs on Walt Disney World property in Florida called The NBA Experience. It closed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

At 60 years old, Adam Silver is likely in no hurry to retire. When his contract with the NBA expires, it will be up to him whether he wants to remain the commissioner of the league or not.

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