Soccer continues to widen the gap between the two as its growth in popularity in the United States has been exponential. In a recent poll, prominent social scientist Rich Luker found that soccer is America's second-most popular sport for those aged 18-24. But what finally attracted Americans to soccer? Sure, many people point to the increased competition in the MLS, or the higher level of exposure caused by world-class soccer's availability on major networks. However, Luker, along with many others, believe much of America's transformation can be attributed to the success of EA Sport's FIFA video game. With FIFA, American's are finally establishing emotional connections to players and teams, leading Luker to believe that "FIFA [has] done more to advance the popularity of soccer than I have seen with any other sport."
While soccer is certainly doing its best to embrace its international audience, other sports are lagging behind; basketball hopes that will soon change. After a recent partnership was formed between Euroleague Basketball and 2K Sports, fans will finally be able to play the critically acclaimed NBA 2K14 video game with the addition of their favorite international basketball teams and players. With Euroleauge Basketball's inclusion in the global gaming community, many hope the game will further increase the globalization of basketball, similar to FIFA's affect on soccer.
Do you believe this is a smart strategy by Euroleague, or will gamers ignore the new addition? What are other ways Euroleague could attract new fans?
By Drew
Sources:
http://www.fordhamobserver.com/soccer-steadily-gaining-popularity-in-united-states/
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/relegationzone/id/291?cc=5739
http://www.euroleague.net/euroleague-basketball/news/i/114651/6330/2k-sports-nba-2k14-to-include-top-euroleague-basketball-teams-for-the-first-time-in-the-series
Drew, I think using 2K14 is a great way to integrate Euroleague and their fans. However I do not how popular it will be for Europeans to purchase. I feel like buyers of those games typically purchase them in the first place to use the great NBA players. So although it may work, it is still very possible for gamers to ignore the new addition. I think Euroleague can attract more fans by having NBA teams coming over to play Euroleague teams, it will attract many Europeans and maybe even some NBA fans will start to follow the Euroleague.
ReplyDeleteNick, I agree. While it might be a good way to attract Europeans to the NBA, I don't see casual gamers playing with the euro league teams. In talking with my two brothers who are avid video game players, they have yet to try out the new feature.
ReplyDelete-Drew Rasansky
DeleteI think the Euroleague addition to 2k14 will be mostly ignored. It's unfortunate, but I would compare it to the inclusion of MLS in the FIFA video game. I've been playing FIFA for many years and have never played with MLS teams...
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a great move by the Euroleague to increase their brand's global presence and recognition. However, I do agree that most American gamers will ignore this feature. The only people I see using it are die-hard Euroleague fans just because this is the only gaming outlet for them.
ReplyDeleteI believe Euroleague's partnership with 2K is a smart move because it would spread awareness about a whole other dimension of basketball. I think it is only right for this to happen because along with professional basketball there is college basketball video games where fans learn about these players by strategizing the way they use them based on their statistics. For someone who doesn't know about a certain athlete or team, using them constantly in a video game that you play with everyday can either create interest in them or build a loyal fan base. -Amy
ReplyDeleteI think that this collaboration is wise, but I also think that it is not going to make an enormous difference overall. Current Euroleague fans may be inclined to use it, but I don't really see it creating a significant number of new fans.
ReplyDelete-Graham