Ahh the playoffs… where 16 teams go on a quest to win the ultimate prize… the championship trophy. It won’t be an easy task as each series puts them in the ultimate test of the physical and mental battle of grit, sweat, tears, and blood. It’s not just the athletes that relish the accomplishments of the regular season. It’s the fans at the tailgate and in the arena that bring the passion. Every momentum hinges on the team performing at the highest level of collapse and leaving the arena with their head down. Leaving fans with disappointment and despair.
Millennials and Gen Z have embraced fandom for years as they show up to the tailgate, at the game, or watch it unfold right in front of their eyes. Playoff coverage has changed a lot over the years from traditional media to social media being more accessible, meaning everyone has a platform for a topic they like to discuss, in this case… sports.
Traditional Media vs. New Media
Reporters and analysts once dominated the media landscape as print and broadcast were in its heydays. They broke down how the home team won the game or lost on a variety of factors. The digital landscape shaped and changed the industry. Only to realize that print media is in decline because of declining revenue ad sales. News agencies have made the digital shift focusing on multimedia and video.
The current generation (Millennials and Gen Z) have been glued to their phones thanks to social media in the form of video and podcasts. As well as Twitter (X) and multimedia articles. DIY news outlets have been popping everywhere thanks to social media as hosts do streeters for their takes on the game as well as capturing live reaction when their favourite team scores a goal, maintain a lead, or win the game.
Podcasts have been a popular outlet these days as hosts do a deep-dive into sports filled with in-depth analysis and well-researched topics that are making headlines. The Bill Simmons Podcast is a prime example. Another is Raptors Republic where hosts talk about all things Toronto Raptors from the pre-season to the off-season.
‘Stan’ accounts
To think music and movie fandom reaches a fever pitch. Sports fandom is on another level. Users have been creating a ‘Stan’ account of their favourite athlete or team and posting interesting stats that the casual sports fan may not hear of. Twitter (X) is an excellent platform for that. Once you go on a rabbit hole, you may embrace the inner sports fan in you.
