NFL

SportBusiness International looks at how the NFL has dealt with the kneeling protests and what lessons can be learned from the episode in a fevered political atmosphere in the US.

The NFL employed Chinese-Canadian superstar Kris Wu as an ambassador in its latest attempt to cultivate audiences in China. Mark Dreyer examines the thinking behind the move and looks at historical attempts by the league to build audiences in the country.

Richard Clarke rounds-up some of the ways in which digital, social media and technology impacted the NFL during the 2018 season.

Despite a seven-per-cent year-on-year audience decline, Super Bowl LII was still one of the 10 most-viewed shows in US history – making it the perfect platform for brands to reach a mass audience. Broadcaster NBC was able to charge a staggering $5.2m (€4.2m) for a 30-second advertising spot.

George Pyne is the founder of sports investment firm Bruin Sports Capital. The firm’s portfolio includes Deltatre, the company behind the European version of the NFL Game Pass OTT product; On Location Experiences, the official hospitality provider of the NFL; and experiential marketing agency Engine Shop.    

Ryan DiNunzio, football and soccer business unit senior director with New Era Cap, the official on-field cap of the NFL, explains how the sportswear company operates around the Super Bowl.

Lester Bagley, Minnesota Vikings executive vice president of public affairs, talks about the franchise's approach to hosting Super Bowl LII at its US Bank Stadium

In this issue we cover the following: QATAR CRISIS – BeIN hits out at 'scaremongering' VIRTUAL REALITY – Is the much hyped technology finally ready to make a difference? SPORTS

Kevin Roberts asks a series of sports industry experts about the global outlooks of the 'big four' established major leagues in the US.