2023 Top Sports Trends
The world of sports has always been evolving, but 2023 is shaping to be a big year. From eSports to women’s sports, here are some of the top trends that you should keep an eye out for in the coming year.
One of the biggest trends in sports is international fandom. This is mainly because of the celebrity factor and the ability for fans to see their favorite athletes play abroad.
Fencing
Fencing is a sword-based sport that requires great focus, attention, and strong technique. Often called physical chess, fencing is fun and a great way to make friends.
Three types of swords are used in fencing: foil, saber, and epee. The rules, strategies, and target areas vary for each weapon.
The saber is the fastest of the three weapons, which targets the entire body from the torso to the head and hands. To score a point, fencers must land with their blade on the valid target area (in international settings, this is called “right of way”) and have the referee’s signal for an attack.
Fencers wear a jacket with an under-layer stretching halfway down the arm known as a plastron, gloves for both their sword hand and gloved hands, and short trousers or breeches that stop just below the knee. They also wear socks and flat-soled sports shoes. Women are usually require to wear plastic chest protectors; men often choose not to.
eSports
The world of competitive video gaming, commonly referred to as esports, is a fast-growing industry that has drawn millions of fans and billions in revenue. Streaming services and live events have turned casual gamers into serious stars who can sometimes rake in seven-figure earnings and massive brand endorsements.
Despite its international popularity, esports is still relatively unregulated in many countries. This lack of uniformity makes preparing for and participating in tournaments complicated.
In 2023, we expect more regulation to ensure all events have the same rules. This will help to build a strong reputation for the sport and make it more acceptable as a mainstream sporting activity.
Several countries – including South Korea and Japan – have established regulatory bodies to govern the industry. While these bodies make headway, the esports industry still needs global leadership to develop best practice guidelines and uniformity across all games.
Second Screen Viewing
The emergence of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other mobile devices has changed how people interact with media. This trend is referred to as Second Screen Viewing, one of the 2023 top sports trends marketers must keep in mind.
In addition to offering a more personal experience, Second Screen Viewing provides a more interactive means of advertising for businesses. It also helps create a more enjoyable TV viewing experience, which is especially important for broadcasters who want to engage their audience with relevant content.
Second Screen Viewing is a growing trend in many regions worldwide but has particularly strong roots in Latin America. Over a third of internet users in Latin American countries use their mobile phones as second screens while watching television. This presents a significant opportunity for advertisers to target these markets with mobile advertising campaigns around live events to reinforce their messaging.
Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for sports organizations and teams to engage with fans and share sports content. It helps to announce upcoming games, share lineups for a new game, or highlight a player’s performance.
Moreover, social media platforms help athletes create personal brands and strengthen their opportunities for endorsement deals and other career gains. Athletes can also use social media platforms to stand for a cause and amplify social issues.
Another great way to engage with sports fans is to post live content on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This will help to keep fans up-to-date with their favorite team’s activities and make them feel part of the team.
With a massive shift in how people watch sports, social media is becoming increasingly important for teams and leagues. This trend is expected to increase in 2023, especially as more people stream or watch sporting events via social media platforms.